Nzimande will join a virtual briefing at 11am Thursday morning by Acting Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

The briefing will also give details of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.

EWN earlier reported that Nzimande said that NSFAS was experiencing a shortfall for the 2021 academic year and this had resulted in the financial aid scheme not being able to confirm funding for new university students. This week, the government said there's a funding shortfall in the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.

It was announced that the NSFAS would be funding all returning beneficiaries who met academic and other relevant criteria.

Many parents and students have been panicking as NSFAS has not yet confirmed funding for first-year students.

The delay has put pressure on institutions across the country, which have been unable to finalise their admissions and registration processes.

Nzimande said that the registration period would be extended by two weeks as a result of the delays.

"We had for instance continue to pay NSFAS students' allowances even at the time when universities and colleges were closed."

He said that the government was doing everything possible to address this urgently.

"And we are quite hopeful in the light of the commitment by the minister of Finance that no deserving student will be turned away if they meet the requirements."

Students have been protesting at Wits University and the UFS against financial exclusion, amongst other issues.

eNCA