Govt wants to build new university in Hammanskraal

This is an addition to a new University of Science and Innovation in Ekurhuleni.

Nzimande delivered his department's R133.8 billion budget vote in Parliament on Wednesday.

Nzimande said the construction is expected to begin in the next year or two.

"We have completed feasibility studies for the establishment of the University of Science and Innovation in Ekurhuleni and the Crime Detection University in Hammanskraal.  The new universities should see actual construction in the coming year or two.

"We have also commenced with a feasibility study for the establishment of the Giyani Education Precinct through the establishment of a University Campus with the Tshwane University of Technology."

Nzimande said the total amount currently available for investment in infrastructure projects across all the 26 existing universities over the next three years is R8.662 billion.

"I am also pleased to report that the construction design phase for the Ulundi Campus of the University of Zululand will commence in this current financial year and that the actual construction should commence in the 2024/25 financial year."

On Student funding for Universities and TVET Colleges, Nzimande said the department is working on a new model to accommodate those excluded by the current funding policy.

"In relation to student funding, we now are working towards the finalisation of a new Comprehensive Student Funding Model, based on the considerations of this report which we aim to submit to Cabinet before the end of this year.

"We aim through this also to introduce measures to support all the categories of students including those who are not supported by the current NSFAS funding policy," he added.

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