By Busani Ngcaweni
The persistent challenge of falsified or misrepresented qualifications in South Africa exposes serious shortcomings in recruitment and appointment processes. Although the scale of the problem is difficult to quantify, it’s considered to be reaching “pandemic” levels. It is worse in the public sector.
The problem became so serious that government introduced the National Qualifications Framework Amendment Act in 2019, making it a criminal offence to misrepresent qualifications. It is punishable by up to five years in prison.
Yet the scourge continues, despite severe personal and professional consequences for some.
The alarmingly high number of individuals pretending to be qualified for high-profile positions undermines trust and capability in organisations.
There have been cases involving top executives and directors of parastatals. Some major companies have not been spared.
Once unsuitable people occupy positions of responsibility, it is difficult to remove them. Their performance seldom improves because they lack the
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