There is growing concern among universities over allegations that South African (SA) politicians and government officials are fraudulently obtaining academic degrees.

Some experts attribute this trend to poor funding at institutions of higher learning, warning that it creates conditions that enable corruption.

Independent education expert Khumbulani Mngadi says:

“It would appear that politicians have infiltrated and compromised the independence of universities, instead of allowing them to function autonomously. Universities, by their nature, should operate independently, even as public institutions. In the past, they had access to private funding, but over time government funding has increased significantly. This has made it difficult for Vice-Chancellors, councils and other institutional bodies to oppose politicians who are in power.”

–SABC/ChannelAfrica–