The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has identified several buildings and vacant land parcels that can be used for student accommodation. The list of these potential student accommodation sites has been shared with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
A total of 68 sites were identified by the DPWI around the country, 43 of these sites have since been visited and verified by the higher education department. At least 25 properties still require the stamp of approval from the DHET.
The lists of properties were shared with DHET and site visits were conducted in some properties for assessments and verification.
Most of these properties were identified in Durban (21 properties), Mmabatho (17 properties) and Gqeberha (13 properties).
Properties were also identified in Polokwane, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Nelspruit and Cape Town. A matter of concern is that no properties were identified in Kimberly and Mthatha.
Student accommodation enables students to study and obtain a qualification at a tertiary education institution that is far from their home.
Ideally, the accommodation should be situated near the institution the student attends. It must also be fit for purpose so the student can enjoy a learning and living environment that promotes their academic success.
Around 367,047 students are currently being accommodated in University residences while 335,387 students are accommodated in private student residences.
However, several challenges mean that many students do not have access to appropriate student accommodation. These challenges include limited availability, inappropriate environments, high costs, competition, distance from campus and safety and security concerns.
SHIP
To mitigate the challenges around student accommodation, the DHET is implementing the Student Housing Infrastructure Programme (SHIP). The programme will aim to provide 300,000 beds at universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges around the country.
The DHET acknowledges that a lot of work must be done to increase the pace at which they build student accommodation facilities.
Currently, the department provides 4,000 new beds annually. This will have to increase to 30,000 beds annually for the department to meet its target.
The DHET will need at least R7 billion annually to provide 30,000 new beds every year. The department estimates that R80 billion is required for the 150 projects for the decade-long implementation of SHIP.
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande believes the SHIP project will ensure quality teaching and learning and a conducive student living and learning environment.
The minister delivered a keynote address at the official opening of the Unibell Student Residence at the University of the Western Cape. The opening of the residence is part of SHIP.
SHIP recognises government cannot achieve this target alone and has asked other stakeholders, including the private sector and DFIs [Development Finance Institutions], for support.
Improving Student Accommodation Legislation
To ensure students enjoy appropriate accommodation, the DHET will look to strengthen the regulation of the student accommodation market by reviewing the 2015 Policy on Minimum Norms and Standards for Student Housing.
The policy aims to ensure all students have access to suitable and safe accommodation regardless of their circumstances. It also seeks to address inadequacies within student housing and improve the quality of student accommodation across the country.
If you are a student in need of accommodation or know of a student seeking accommodation, visit the Careers Portal for the latest information about student accommodation near your campus.
