Emeris Sandton Exorbitant Penalties

Be careful when enrolling with Emeris - Sandton. The do the "good sell" by excluding critical information regarding payments, penalties and cancellation amounts without any form of accountabilty - only referring to the contract that is not in line with the "Consumer Protection Act" (CPA) or the "Treating Customers Fairly"(TCF) principles.I went personally to the campus on 7 Feb 2026 to enquire about enrollment for my daughter for 2026.I spoke to a representative.I made the following crystal clear in the conversation with the rep:1)We were waiting for feedback from a bursary application in order to pay the fees 2)As a single mother I would not be able to pay the fees without a bursary 3) If there were any bursary or fee assistance programs we could apply for with Emeris if the initial bursary fell through.I was told that because class started 17 February 26,I must make immediate admin payments and registration fees and that Emeris is aware of my financial limitations.Nowhere was there any disclosure of the cancellation/withdrawal penalties in a meaningful, prominent, and consumer centric manner before I was required to sign.A Rather important disclosure specifically considering that I highlighted my financial status.My daughter went to class on 17 Feb until 4 March 26 , we bought stationary and textbooks and unfortunately we did nit get the bursary.I notified Emeris and then I was told about the rediculous penalties .My daughter went to class for 12 business days and they wanted me to pay the full years fee of +/-R90 000.I appealed and they have now reduced the penalty to R46 080- I have to pay for full semester and costs when my daughter was only there for 12 days.I am going for another appeal because I cannot afford the outcome and am prepared to pay for 12 days that my daughter attended.I obviously never found out there quality of teaching but I can say their enthics leans more towards money making.I guess someone has to pay for that R480 mil Sandton building.I suggest ,from a financial perspective, specifically ask for the feedback on cancellations and let them point it out to you in the contract.Even if you can afford it , rather clarify as you might end up cancelling for another reason.