To avoid fraud, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) is offering degrees and certificates on the blockchain. This will aid in the prevention of counterfeiting and the false representation of qualifications.
A few years ago, UJ was the first South African institution to provide its graduates with the added value of digital credentials. Graduates could not only safely examine and order missing or damaged credentials, but they could also securely share their certificates with third parties or companies at no cost.
UJ has announced that it will now improve its certificates by using blockchain-based security features.
“The new blockchain-based certificate features will enhance the security of certificates even more. Certificates issued from this year on will have QR codes printed on them, which anybody can scan with a smartphone to verify whether the information on the certificate is correct and has been issued legitimately by UJ.”
” The public is now able to validate the awarded qualifications for UJ graduates without having to contact the University or having to go through a verification agency, just by scanning the QR code on the certificate and best of all, at no cost,” said Dr. Tinus van Zyl, senior director of Central Academic Administration at UJ.
Prof Kinta Burger, UJ’s registrar, stated that the new blockchain-based certificates will not only safeguard the University’s certificates from fraud but also the institution’s reputation and the integrity of qualifications.
“UJ is committed to applying new technologies to improve systems and service delivery. This continuous improvement strategy and use of cutting-edge technology, facilitated through the Fourth Industrial Revolution are at the heart of our philosophy.”
According to Jennifer Barkhuizen of background screening and vetting firm Managed Integrity Evaluation (MIE), while South African companies are facing a hiring crisis as a result of the country’s economic challenges over the last two years, an increasing number are turning to background checks before hiring.
“With the rising unemployment rate in South Africa, some people will go to any lengths to secure employment, including falsifying their qualifications, misrepresenting their work experience, or hiding the fact that they have a criminal record,” she said.
In 2021, MIE processed about 2.3 million background screening transactions. Demand for these services has gradually climbed over the last five years, according to Barkhuizen, and the business expects this trend to continue in 2022.
“Our most requested checks remain criminal record and qualification verification, but we have also seen a sharp increase in social media screening requests,” said Barkhuizen.
“With well over 30 million social media users in South Africa – and with this number growing daily– social media screening is becoming more of a business imperative than ever before.” She added.