Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
25 January 2024 | 11:44 a.m. SAST
1-min read

Image credit: University of Johannesburg website

The University of Johannesburg has become the first South African higher education institution to implement facial recognition technology in its registration system in a move aimed at bolstering secure and fraud-resistant registration.

The university receives over 600 000 applications annually, which prompted the need for more efficient and secure application and registration processes.

Traditionally, applicants were required to submit certified copies of their IDs, leading to logistical challenges and instances of fraud. The introduction of facial recognition technology addresses these concerns.

“We know that it is indeed you who applied. So it removes the fraud aspect, but it also, going forward, will help our applicants,” Professor Bettine van Vuuren, the university’s registrar, says during an interview on Radio Islam International.

The pilot program, implemented for first-time entering students, involves a process where applicants receive a personalised SMS, click on it, and take a selfie. This selfie is then verified against the Home Affairs database, eliminating the need for physical ID copies.

The dual-purpose approach aims to enhance security for the university and streamline the application process for the applicants. While this year’s pilot program requires both facial verification and ID copies, the goal is to transition to a fully facial recognition-based system in the future.

This paints an incredibly futuristic picture. But it does raise concerns about the dangers of facial recognition, such as increased surveillance, a violation of privacy, and the increased control of the general population.

Related: Face recognition technology follows a long analog history of surveillance and control based on identifying physical features 

The technological advancements made by the university as discussed by Professor van Vuuren extend beyond facial recognition. The institution issues blockchain-secured digital certificates upon graduation, featuring QR codes for easy verification. Furthermore, the recent introduction of digital badges on platforms like LinkedIn adds an extra layer of transparency, allowing prospective employers to verify qualifications.

The university recently launched a WhatsApp chatbot to facilitate easy interaction, and it has plans to enable applications in the metaverse.

In response to concerns about fairness and application fees, Professor van Vuuren clarified that online applications to the University of Johannesburg are free.

Despite receiving over 600 000 applications, the university can only accept 10 500 students within the Department of Higher Education and Training enrolment plan. However, the institution offers a variety of online courses, providing alternatives for those unable to secure a spot in the traditional enrolment plan.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.