Nzimande Outlines Higher Education Plans

By: Lindelani Mbatha

Higher Education Minister, Blade Nzimande, says government is doing everything to address NSFAS funding challenges.

Nzimande has been briefing media in Pretoria on funding decisions for 2021 new prospective students.

The Minister says he’s aware of the great anxiety this is causing for prospective students and their families, and adds that cabinet will be reviewing the matter.

On UNISA enrollment issues, Nzimande says he is concerned with the fact that this institution continued to defy plans that had been put in place.

UNISA has been summoned to the portfolio committee on higher education to explain why it failed to comply with its enrollment planning target by accepting an extra 20 137 first-time students last year.

The institution over-enrolled students despite being warned by higher education ministry in 2018 to adhere to its target.

Last year it enrolled 77,840 first-time students, 35% more than the target.