Unisa reduces 2021 intake of first-year students by 20k It’s understood Minister Blade Nzimande made the request to the university's council. Picture: Unisa Facebook page 78 days ago JOHANNESBURG - The University of South Africa (Unisa) has reduced its intake of 2021 first year students by 20,000. The Higher Education Department ordered Unisa to decrease the number to ensure that there was no backlog when the academic year starts in March. It’s understood Minister Blade Nzimande made the request to the university's council. Universities South Africa's Ahmed Bawa said this would have a negative impact for thousands of students trying to get access.