Lower first-year intake at Unisa limiting but necessary - Universities SA Universities South Africa CEO said while the move might threaten access to education for many, the reduced number would ensure sustainability. FILE: Students outside the Unisa Sunnyside campus in Pretoria on 15 January 2018. Picture: Ihsaan Haffejee/Eyewitness News. 85 days ago JOHANNESBURG - There is growing backlash in the higher education sector following the University of South Africa's (Unisa) decision to reduce its first-year intake by 20,000 people. Unisa, which is one of the largest open distance learning institutions in Africa, said last week the decision followed an order from Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimade.