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Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act No. 101 of 1997)

Chapter 8 : General

65BA. Withdrawal and revocation of degree, diploma, certificate or other qualification

 

(1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (2), the council of a public higher education institution may, in consultation with the senate, withdraw and revoke any degree, diploma, certificate or other qualification that was awarded—
(a) on the basis of a material error on the part of the public higher education institution concerned: Provided that such withdrawal and revocation may only take place within a period not exceeding two years after the conferment concerned; or
(b) as a result of a fraudulent or dishonest act in connection with the obtaining of such degree, diploma, certificate or other qualification.

 

(2)

(a) Prior to the council of a public higher education institution withdrawing and revoking the conferment of a degree, diploma, certificate or other qualification, the council must—
(i) notify the recipient of the qualification concerned that a revocation and withdrawal is being considered;
(ii) provide the recipient with relevant information justifying the intended action;
(iii) provide the recipient with an opportunity to obtain assistance and to present his or her case; and
(iv) consider the submissions and representations of the recipient.
(b) In the event that the withdrawal and revocation relates to circumstances contemplated in subsection (1)(b), the higher education institution must report the matter for criminal investigation as contemplated in section 66(2).

 

(3) The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) shall apply to registered private higher education institutions, subject to the necessary changes required by the context.

 

(4) In the event that any degree, diploma, certificate or other qualification that was awarded, is withdrawn or revoked, the relevant Quality Council responsible for the qualification or part-qualification and SAQA must be informed so as to amend the National Learner Record Database, if necessary.

 

[Section 65BA inserted by section 37 of Notice No. 21, GG 40548, dated 17 January 2017]