The Department of Higher Education aims to enrol 1.6 million students in universities across the country. A total budget of R133.8 billion has been allocated for the 2023/2024 academic year, with the allocation expected to have an annual budget increase of 5.3%.
This was revealed by Minister Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology while delivering his budget vote speech on 24 May 2023.
From the budget allocation of R133.8 billion, R8.662 billion has been put aside and is currently available for infrastructure projects. These infrastructure projects will take place across all 26 universities from 2023-2026.
New universities
Among these infrastructure projects, include the building of 2 new universities:
- University of Science and Innovation in Ekurhuleni
- Crime Detection University in Hammanskraal
These universities will be aimed at addressing South Africa’s skills shortage, with the first university focusing on science and innovation disciplines, while the second university focuses on crime detection and prevention.
When providing details about the progress that has been made so far with the new universities, Minister Nzimande said:
The new universities should see actual construction in the coming year or two.
Other University developments
Existing universities will also benefit from the infrastructure budget allocation, as the University of Zululand will have a new Ulundi Campus. Construction on this campus is expected to begin in the 2024/2025 financial year.
A feasibility study has also started taking place, as the department looks to establish the Giyani Education Precinct. This will be done in collaboration with the Tshwane University of Technology, through the establishment of a new university campus.
The Giyani Education Precinct is an extension of the Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct, which was launched in KwaZulu Natal as a pilot project.
With a budget of R182.11 million allocated towards the Imbali Educational Precinct, the project aims to provide alternative ways of delivering education; ways that are strongly linked to science and innovation disciplines.
“Such integration through precincts…will ensure that we produce well- rounded students who are ready to take up their positions within our economy and society,” said Minister Nzimande.
The establishment of these precincts is just one of the ways that the department is hoping to transform education in South Africa, making it suitable to the country’s development plans and goals.
