Beware 'fake' nursing colleges
2005-04-18 14:01
Cape Town - Charlatan nursing colleges are "mushrooming" in the Eastern Cape, luring students with promises of jobs, the health department has warned.
"These private nursing colleges are mushrooming and charge fees from R3 900 to R8 000," provincial health spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo said on Monday.
The department knew of at least five such colleges in Mthatha, Lusikisiki, East London, Zwelitsha and Engcobo.
Kupelo said many of the students were desperate and unemployed, with their families at times resorting to selling livestock to pay fees.
He said the fake colleges were not registered with the South African Nursing Council, and warned prospective students they would not be employed if the colleges were not registered and the courses offered accredited.
"As a department we cannot allow a situation where our patients are put at risk," said Kupelo.
Nursing Council spokesperson Octavia Hlongwane said the organisation was aware of the problem, which was a "national worry".
'In it for the money'
She said any institution providing nursing education and training without the approval of the council was operating illegally.
Many of those involved in these fly-by-night schools and courses were nurses "who were in it for the money".
Meanwhile, nursing union Denosa (Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa) said they viewed the problem in a "very serious" light.
Lesiba Seshoka, Denosa's national spokesperson, said the people who suffered at the end of the day were ordinary people, who wasted time and money getting worthless certificates.
Seshoka encouraged government and the Nursing Council to increase the intake of student nurses and help make up the dearth of personnel, many of whom left the service to seek greener pastures overseas.
- SAPA