Zimbabwe and South Africa are intensifying efforts to improve the verification of academic qualifications, amid growing concerns over delays affecting thousands of job seekers and students seeking opportunities across the border.
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has initiated engagements with local regulatory bodies to address persistent bottlenecks in the authentication of Zimbabwean certificates, particularly those issued by now-defunct institutions.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo, SAQA Senior Specialist for Communications and Advocacy, Nkosingiphile Nyalungu, said delays in processing applications were largely due to difficulties in verifying qualifications with third-party institutions.
“We have been receiving a lot of clients asking why our turnaround time is longer and why they are not getting feedback on time. The process takes longer because we rely on third parties to assist us with proper verifications,” she said.
She noted that cases involving institutions that have since closed present a major challenge, often leaving applicants unable to prove the authenticity of their qualifications.
In response, SAQA is working closely with the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to establish more efficient verification channels.
“The most important thing is to strengthen collaboration with universities in Zimbabwe, as well as quality assurance bodies, to ensure that qualifications are legitimate in the country of origin,” said Nyalungu.
The initiative is expected to improve turnaround times and enhance confidence in Zimbabwean qualifications, which remain in high demand in South Africa.
Zimbabwe is among SAQA’s largest client bases, driven by a steady flow of professionals and students seeking employment and academic opportunities in the neighbouring country.
Nyalungu said SAQA is also exploring digital solutions to streamline processes, noting that its application system is already fully online, with clearly defined procedures and fees.
The engagement comes at a time when regional integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is gaining momentum, with increased emphasis on facilitating the movement of skills and labour across borders.
Strengthening cooperation between regulatory institutions will not only ease verification challenges but also unlock opportunities for Zimbabweans whose career prospects have been hindered by delays in credential evaluation.
The trade fair, held under the theme “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,” provided a platform for such engagements, highlighting the need for harmonised systems to support regional economic growth.
