Student sues institution for R1 million

A DURBAN man is taking legal action against an educational institution for providing him with a teaching qualification that is allegedly invalid.

Shiraz Ahmed is suing Mancosa for R1 million for not advising him accordingly when he had enrolled for a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE).

Ahmed, 35, from Verulam, acquired a diploma in administration with the Regent Business School, and thereafter applied for a PGCE programme at Mancosa to become a teacher.

“I submitted my application to them, with all the required documents. The application went through their selection committee and the application was approved and granted me acceptance to the programme.”

Ahmed started the programme in January 2019, but shortly before he was due to graduate in September last year, learnt that his certificate was invalid, according to the South African Council for Educators (SACE).

“When I went to SACE with my qualifications, I was told these were invalid due to not having a completed education degree or any type of degree which allows me to study towards the programme.”

Ahmed said he notified the institution of the matter and was given an option of a full refund of R24 325 which he had paid for the programme, and to have the certificate revoked.

He said even though Mancosa was willing to refund him for his enrolment, he felt the institution should also pay for the pain and suffering that it has caused, and for not advising him accordingly.

His lawyer, Anamika Naidoo, last month sent a letter to the institution saying: “Our client does not object to the revocation of the qualification, as you are aware it does not hold any weight. He further accepts the refund of the tuition fee paid which, according to our client, is an amount of R24 325. The revocation of the qualification and refund of tuition fees to our client does not absolve Mancosa of liability for damages or any other claim that our client is entitled to, nor is it in full and final settlement of any claims.”

Speaking to the Sunday Tribune this week, Ahmed said during his initial discussions with the institution he had asked to be paid a full basic educator’s salary while trying to finalise his teaching degree with another institution.

“This could have allowed me to be able to provide for my family. My wife was retrenched last year during the Covid-19 lockdown, and I’m not employed. We have a daughter who is in school and utilities to pay. Had the institution advised me correctly, I would have opted for another option in acquiring my teaching degree.”

Professor Zaheer Hamid, Mancosa’s academic director, said the institution was fully aware of the grievance by its former student since his initial complaint in November.

He said the matter was being handled within the parameters of due legal process, as well as seeking guidance from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

“Mancosa has been actively engaging with Ahmed’s attorney herein and has committed itself to deal with this issue in the most appropriate manner, having due regard to the legitimate interests of all parties,” he said.

The DHET said the matter was still to be investigated.

Ishmael Mnisi, DHET spokesperson, said the department had to still check with their investigators as to how this had transpired.

“Normally in circumstances such as these, the department sends an inspector to check whether the allegations are true, then issues a warning before we withdraw the institution’s licence. If the matter persists, the department is forced to blacklist the institution and take away their licence,” said Mnisi.