DA opposes ‘name and shame’ law on grounds of excess red tape
THE DA has opposed a bill which seeks to “name and shame” those holding and using false qualifications, saying it will introduce red tape for businesses.
Parliament’s portfolio committee on higher education and training yesterday adopted a National Qualifications Framework Amendment Bill, which was referred to the House for adoption.
The DA has opposed the bill, saying it is superfluous and onerous on employers and educational institutions.
DA spokesperson on higher education Belinda Bozzoli said the DA would oppose the bill as it would place a strain on job creation, the smooth running of business and government, and access to educational opportunities.
“We think small businesses have enough red tape already and that this will add to it.
“There are other ways of inhibiting fraud and, of course, we think fraud should be stopped, but this is not the right way,” said Bozzoli.
According to the bill, qualifications presented for study, employment or appointment would be referred to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for verification or evaluation.
All qualifications must be captured on the SAQA database.
The bill states that any person who fraudulently claims to have received a qualification is guilty of an offence, and is liable on conviction to any sentence which may be imposed for an offence of fraud.
South Africa has been battling to combat qualification fraud.
In the recent past, former SABC chairperson Ellen Tshabalala resigned after a parliamentary committee found her guilty of lying to Parliament about having a degree.
Tshwane mayor Solly Msimanga’s chief of staff, Marietha Aucamp, was also forced to resign after it emerged that she had lied about her qualifications.
Bozzoli said the bill placed much of the task to be undertaken on a body which might not be able to meet the demands “put upon it” – the SAQA did not have the capacity to deal with the kind of responsibility assigned to it.
“It’s a huge task for SAQA,” said Bozzoli.
Committee acting chairperson Charles Kekana said the bill was necessary to ensure that individuals were correctly placed in positions and had the correct qualifications.
“The bill empowers SAQA to establish and maintain separate registers for professional designations, misrepresented qualifications and part-qualifications, and fraudulent qualifications.
“The SAQA is also empowered to evaluate foreign qualifications or part qualifications and publish criteria for evaluating foreign qualifications or part qualifications,” said Kekana.