This came to light yesterday after complaints by some Pula Care Vocational College students who had gone to BOTA offices in Gaborone to collect their certificates, only to be told that they had been ripped off. "If the institution is only registered but not accredited with us then we tell them (students) that they have been ripped off and they should go to their respective institutions to collect their certificates," Reetsang said
She indicated that they have been doing many campaigns around the country for students to only enroll with BOTA accredited institutions but "still they choose to join these institutions without checking first with us if they have doubts". She stated that they only take actions upon getting tip-offs about such institutions. "We cannot pounce on people and threaten to close them down but we tell them what is expected of them. If they do not abide then we take action like we did last time by closing down schools," Reetsang said.
She however admitted that there might be many institutions operating without accreditation. "Registering an institution is only showing interest of operating a business looking at the capacity, while accrediting courses is validating them if they are supposed to be certificates or diplomas," Reetsang explained.
When reached for comment, the college's deputy principal stated that there is nothing wrong with what they are doing as their courses are internationally recognised.
Upenyu Chiparo told Mmegi that they registered with BOTA in 2005 and were told to "sort some things out first after applying for accreditation which we are still busy trying to do".
Chiparo stated that while their courses are not accredited with BOTA, they are globally recognised and therefore "already approved in the industry".
While BOTA is waiting for tip-offs, many students are beginning to realise that in their hope of getting tertiary education they may have poured money down the drain.
