Advanced Secure Technologies (AST), a UK-based firm specializing in digital certification verification, is establishing a presence in Cape Town to tackle the escalating issue of academic degree fraud in South Africa. AST’s Digital Certificates Websecurity platform utilizes blockchain, QR codes, and watermarks to ensure the secure issuance, management, and verification of educational certificates.
The platform empowers students and graduates to control the sharing of their verified credentials, while enabling employers and other organizations to authenticate qualifications. In addition, the system safeguards against degree fraud by ensuring that only qualified candidates are recognized, thereby reducing the risk of fraudulent claims.
Kevin Bassett, Managing Director of AST, emphasizes the significance of having an office in Cape Town to swiftly address issues in the crucial Southern African market. “This is especially crucial given the prevalence of degree fraud in South Africa,” Bassett notes.
AST has established partnerships with prominent South African universities, including the University of Johannesburg, University of Pretoria, and Northwest University. Martin Hall, former deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Cape Town, will assume the role of non-executive director at the new Cape Town office.
Martin Hall underscores the importance of combating degree fraud, stating, “Degree fraud damages the value of legitimate qualifications. AST isn’t just about technology – it’s about protecting the integrity of education for students, employers, and institutions. With the rise of technologies such as artificial intelligence, their work is more important than ever.”
Recent high-profile cases of degree fraud in South Africa have drawn attention to the severity of the issue. Instances include an economist allegedly falsely claiming a PhD from the London School of Economics and a former CEO of Joburg Roads Agency exposed for allegedly fabricating undergraduate and master’s degrees, resulting in suspension and the loss of a substantial annual salary. The expansion of AST to Cape Town represents a proactive measure to address and mitigate such fraudulent activities in the academic sector.
