Following reports bringing Unisa’s Accounting programmes into question, the university has released a statement to clear the air on the allegations leveled against it.
Unisa is amongst the selective universities that offer recognised programmes that meet the necessary criteria to qualify prospective CAs (SA).
In 2017, Unisa’s College of Accounting Sciences (CAS) was awarded a rating of 1, which means that the university met all the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) accreditation requirements for the relevant undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications offered by Unisa.
Recent reports allege that SAICA has allowed Unisa to retain accreditation of four of its accounting qualifications “provided it takes immediate steps to respond to deficiencies in the programme”.
In a statement, the university responded:
Management of the university and the College of Accounting Sciences (CAS) would like to assure you that, contrary to what these media reports sought to advance, all our Accounting programmes remain accredited by SAICA.
It is said that the university was paid a visit by a delegation from SAICA in September 2021, as the university had applied for continued accreditation of its programmes by SAICA.
The delegates were experienced and well-respected practitioners in the Accounting profession, led by Mr. Sizwe Nxasana, one of the first ten black Chartered Accountants in South Africa, and a proud Alumnus of Unisa.
The University has assured both alumni and students that the qualifications are still strong, credible, and well-respected in the market.
Not too long another university, Walter Sisulu University (WSU) also faced a similar situation when it came to the accreditation of its qualifications.
Higher Education Minister Dr. Blade Nzimande has confirmed that it has started the process of a full audit to confirm that all qualifications being offered to meet the compliance requirements of the three regulatory bodies.
These regulatory bodies include the Department of Higher Education and Training, Council on Higher Education and the South African Qualifications Authority.
