Government has commended the private and public sector for taking steps to ensure clean governance through the verification of qualifications.

The increase in the number of companies and government departments ensuring the verification of academic and professional qualifications of prospective employees, as reported by quality assurance body, Umalusi, is an indication that South Africa is moving towards clean governance.

Acting Cabinet spokesperson Phumla Williams said it was important to uphold values such as fairness, transparency, ethical conduct and accountability.

“The increase in the numbers is not a reflection that the public and private sectors are littered with fake qualifications, but it is an indication that as a country we are striving towards dealing with the few people who use fake and fraudulent qualifications.

“People using fake qualifications are damaging the credibility and reputation of institutions of higher learning. The incidents of misrepresentation are serious and will not be tolerated in our country as they impact negatively on the credibility of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

“It is imperative that employers check the qualifications of all candidates and not just those slated for senior or sensitive positions,” Williams said.

She added that faking academic qualifications is a criminal offence which should be dealt with by all employers.