Fiscal planning 101

Most universities start their new academic year on February 5, three days before the state of the nation address and 16 days before Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba’s maiden budget. And we still have no idea where the money will come from to fund President Jacob Zuma’s unexpected pledge on December 16 of fully subsidised‚ free higher education and training for poor and working-class undergraduate students.

Will the first week of 2018 provide any clarity for anxious educational institutions and students?