On August 22, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, reinstated the registration of Educor’s four higher education institutions; Damelin, City Varsity, ICESA City Campus, and Lyceum. This decision is a welcome development for students, faculty, and management, reinforcing the position of Educor as one of Southern Africa’s largest and most diverse private education providers. Collectively, these institutions offer over 300 courses across various disciplines, supporting the academic growth of thousands of students.
In a recent groundbreaking meeting held on the 26th of September, with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) – attended by DHET Director General (DG) Dr Nkosinathi Sishi and Deputy Director General (DDG) Universities Dr Marcia Socikwa, among other notable stakeholders – it was resolved that all Educor institutions be fully reinstated with no administrative preconditions, beyond monthly monitoring requirements whereby the institutions submit ongoing reports for six months. The DG conveyed his well wishes to all staff and students and his assurance for support to the reinstatement of the Educor institutions.
Educor Holdings (Pty) Ltd (Educor) manages 7 educational brands across campuses and sites in South Africa and internationally, with 50,000 students studying at these South African colleges at the start of this academic year. The group’s leadership team is actively working alongside the DHET to ensure continued educational excellence.
Commenting on the registration, Educor’s Chief Operating Officer, Michael Thurley, remarked:
“I would like to thank all the incredible educational staff who stood by us throughout this time. Our focus remains steadfast on providing uninterrupted learning experiences for our students while maintaining a supportive environment for our staff. We fully embrace the Minister’s decision to reinstate the registration of our institutions and are deeply committed to preserving the legacy of these historic institutions. Their continued success is essential to the future of higher education in South Africa.”
It is important to highlight that all courses delivered by the institutions, for current students and past graduates, remain fully accredited and recognised by the DHET and the South African Qualifications Authority. Educor institutions are ready to accept new student registrations across a wide array of disciplines.
The reinstatement of the registration has a broader significance for South Africa’s educational landscape. With quality education being a key driver of personal growth and a contributor to the South African economy, Educor’s role is pivotal. The group is committed to ensuring that its students access training and credentials, thereby enhancing their employability in a competitive job market.
“In 2025 we are looking to create stability and rebuild the institutions’ place in the market and public space. We are going to redefine ourselves and take the time to navigate this new world we find ourselves in, restoring ourselves to the household name and level of quality deserved by South African students,” added Thurley.
“We are re-engineering our business model to better meet the evolving needs of the education sector and the modern workforce, which is increasingly shaped by technological advancements. The full details of our re-engineered business model will be unveiled shortly, but our overarching aim remains clear – to offer a quality education that equips our students for success in an ever-changing world.”
A shining example of the group’s legacy is Damelin, an institution with eight decades of higher education excellence in South Africa. Damelin offers over 60 programmes across its four faculties – Commerce, Science & Technology, Humanities, and Education – and provides a flexible range of study options, including full-time, part-time, distance, online and blended learning opportunities. The institution operates nationwide, with locations in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town, ensuring broad access to quality education.