Staff accused of bribing applicants

We strongly urge prospective students not to pay money to get admission to UMP.

Tlangelani Ubisi University spokesperson

The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) said it has noted “with shock” allegations of bribery against some of its staff members.

This comes after some of the administration staff were accused of demanding bribes from students for them to gain admission to the university.

According to UMP spokesperson Tlangelani Ubisi, an investigation has been launched.

“The university will take the necessary actions should the allegations be found to be true. We strongly urge members of the community and prospective students not to pay any money to get admission to UMP. The university has zero tolerance for such actions,” said Ubisi.

Lowvelder is in possession of a screenshot of a WhatsApp conversation in which one of the administrators demanded R6 500 from one of the students who wanted a spot at the university.

The newspaper is also in possession of an e-mail another student had received to confirm that she was admitted. However, she later received another e-mail without a UMP letterhead stating that she was not admitted as a mistake had been made.

The student said she is still not sure whether she should go back to the university to finalise the registration.

Another student said that after a conversation with the university administrator, she refused to pay the bribe because she did not have the money, and as a result she was not admitted to UMP, although she claims to qualify.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli is warning members of the public against fraudsters who target students eager to further their education at higher institutions. He said prospective students and their parents are trying to secure admission and accommodation from various tertiary institutions.

“Fraudsters target the needy by promising to make their dreams come true,” he said

Some fraudsters will convince their victims that they are well connected to higher authorities in the institutions, while others impersonate employees of these institutions.

“The fraudsters will then solicit bribes for fake admission and bogus accommodation. Parents are therefore warned not to deposit cash into personal accounts, ” Mdhluli said.