The matric class of 2020 should not panic, as they will still be able to go to university this year, says Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Blade Nzimande.
He said universities will be opening in March, after the National Senior Certificate results are released in February.
“Do not panic, university enrolments for 2021 first-year students will open from as early as March to mid-April. Universities will be open to give a chance to first-year students.
“The timetable will be communicated as not all timetables are the same,” said Nzimande.
The minister was speaking at a media briefing on Monday where he announced plans for the opening of tertiary institutions amid the Coronavirus pandemic, reports IOL.
This after the Department of Basic Education announced a two-week delay in the opening of schools.
Nzimande said Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution students would return in a staggered manner from 25 January, with the last group going back on 15 February, the same day schools are due to open.
“Remote learning support will be in place for students who will return in February.
“The return of trimester students will be prioritised given the compressed study time for these students, and N5 and N6 students will return before N4 students,” the minister said.
Community Education and Training Colleges would be returning on 15 February, while the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) have already resumed activities, especially with regards to the workplace-based learning activities.
“This year we are dealing with two academic years in one year; the completion of 2020 and start of 2021,” Nzimande said.
Meanwhile, over 750 000 NSFAS applications have been received.
Over 460 000 (or 61%) of the applicants are Sassa beneficiaries.
The evaluation is due to complete in mid-February and decisions communicated to beneficiaries in time for opening of tertiary institutions.
In addition, the department was engaging with mobile networks to make data accessible to students.
African News Agency (ANA)