Online student registrations: UKZN students warned of scam

Just a few weeks after the excitement surrounding the matric results and the lead up into a new chapter for students, comes a hard-knock into reality. For one, it's almost as if criminals don't take time to sleep, a proper full-time job. 

And two, is there anything in this life that cannot be taken advantage of when it comes to deceit and crime? The effort into becoming tech savvy for many is a route less traveled because the cons outweigh the good in most cases. 

Read more: UKZN warns of scammers posing as administrators

However, as tertiary institutions try to push online registrations, there is the reality that at some point they need to have some sort of facilitator to assist them in this process. 

Of course, we understand the nature behind pushing for online registrations, ultimately they want to ensure that everyone stays safe during the still very present pandemic. But to what extent?

Many of these students have difficulty registering for courses with the human, face-to-face contact. So you can imagine how lost and unsupported they must feel doing this online.

Read more: UKZN students vow to continue with their protests

"The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has warned prospective students to be wary of scammers conducting registration for courses that no longer exist. " (Sowetan Live)

No information was shared as to the end result of these scams. Perhaps it was a way of moonlighting as the University of KwaZulu-Natal to eventually get the registration fees? 

As much as the communication of the scam from the institution shows a sense of integrity, mainly because they are aware of it, the reality is that there needs to be more effort installed when it comes to guiding students who are registering online. 

Read more: UKZN SRC: Online registrations disadvantage some students

What do you think? Are you for or against online registrations?

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