EFF Youth Command lays charges over alleged sale of university placements

January 28, 2026 109

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Youth Command has opened a criminal case against individuals it claims are operating a well-coordinated syndicate selling placement spaces at universities and TVET colleges across South Africa.

The youth wing laid charges at Brooklyn Police Station in Pretoria on Wednesday, arguing that the Department of Higher Education’s inability to accommodate the growing number of matriculants has fueled a thriving black market for access to higher education.

As thousands of students scramble for limited spaces, the EFF Youth Command says it has uncovered what it describes as a professional syndicate exploiting desperate families.

Speaking outside the police station, EFF Youth Command National Coordinator Naledi Chirwa Mpungose, said the organisation, through its Sizofunda Ngenkani campaign, had identified networks allegedly selling university placements, student accommodation and even bursaries to the highest bidder.

She claims some students are being charged between R3,000 and R4,000 to secure admission, with prices varying depending on the institution and the prestige of the course.

She further further alleges that the syndicates operate with what she described as “clinical efficiency”, using WhatsApp groups, bank accounts and alleged internal contacts within higher education institutions.

The EFF Youth Command says institutions named in complaints from students include Northlink Nursing College, the University of Limpopo, North West University, the University of Mpumalanga, the University of Zululand, Vaal University of Technology and Tshwane University of Technology.

The organisation says it has handed over evidence to police, including communication records involving syndicate members, students who were allegedly scammed, and those who were reportedly placed through the scheme.

According to the Youth Command, the alleged practice has been ongoing for several years and continues to disadvantage qualifying students, particularly those from rural and under-resourced communities.

The case is expected to be registered at the Johannesburg Central Police Station as investigations continue into what the organisation describes as a long-standing national crisis in access to education.

The EFF Youth Command has also confirmed engagements with Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela, calling for collaboration to dismantle what it says is a deeply entrenched network of corruption within the admissions system.

The organisation has warned against any interference in the investigation and is urging parents and students who may have been affected to open cases and report suspected internal dealings, saying officials involved can be traced through institutional systems.

It says it will closely monitor the investigation to ensure those exploiting the aspirations of young people are held accountable.

🚨 Update 🚨

EFF Youth Command has opened a case against Various Criminals in Institutions of Higher Learning for Selling Tertiary Space. Commissar Naledi Chirwa-Mpungose was accompanied by CYILC member, Nyakallo Mokoena, together with the Coordinator of the EFF Youth Command… pic.twitter.com/0nW8VTB6FE

— EFF Youth Command (@EFFYouthCommand) January 28, 2026