According to Higher education Minister Blade Nzimande, as of this week, 25 of out of the 26 public universities in the country commenced with teaching and learning.
Whereas academic and training programmes at TVET colleges started as early as 23rd January 2023.
Nzimande noted that a number of universities have extended their registration period to achieve as full enrolment as possible in the system.
In light of the recent student protest action carried out at campuses across South Africa, Minister Nzimande, says that in the next week his department will be meeting with university registrars to attend to all matters relating to concerns raised by students and parents.
Nzimande affirmed that they will attend to all matters to ensure that NSFAS beneficiaries are not disadvantaged or excluded.
Speaking during the National assembly speech, Nzimande revealed that one of the main challenges for his department in this coming financial year is to develop a concrete plan and shape the Post Sector Education an Training (PSET) system and address the need to substantially expand the college sector in line with our NDP targets.
He stressed that this would go a long way in expanding academic access to the youth, whilst at the same time relieving pressure on our universities.
In this current academic year, we have implemented new monitoring tools and strategies to lay the foundation for a successful academic year and overcome the traditional bottlenecks that normally affect the PSET system at this time.
He continues, “We have deployed our officials across all our institutions to ascertain whether the registration processes at institutions are proceeding as planned and assist institutions, where required, with advice and guidance.”
Additionally, to further enable access to all institutions, the DHET opened the Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) January 2023, and it will close on the 31st March 2023 to assist students to access the courses and programmes of their choice in the system.
The department notes that these interventions have greatly helped to reduce traditional bottlenecks in different parts of the PSET system associated with admissions, registration, student financial aid and accommodation.
Nzimande says that they aware of all specific hotspots and are working closely on the ground with institutions to resolve these underlying issues.
