Student leaders have warned that South Africa's universities and TVET colleges are facing a growing student accommodation crisis, prompting discussions with government and other stakeholders to find sustainable solutions.
The South African Union of Students (SAUS) is hosting the National Student Accommodation Indaba 2026, which officially began on 2 July 2026 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
National Student Accommodation Indaba 2026 Underway
The conference is being led by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, and focuses on improving student housing across the country's higher education sector.
Held under the theme, "From Policy to Practice: Advancing Dignified, Affordable and Sustainable Student Housing in South Africa," the Indaba has brought together student leaders, government departments, public entities, higher education institutions, accommodation providers, municipalities, development finance institutions, regulators and sector experts.
The aim of the summit is to encourage collaboration between stakeholders and develop practical solutions that will strengthen South Africa's student accommodation system.
Student Accommodation Challenges Under Discussion
Delegates at the Indaba are examining several key issues affecting student accommodation, including:
- Funding for student housing.
- Infrastructure development.
- Governance and regulation.
- Student safety and wellbeing.
- Accreditation and compliance.
- Sector transformation.
- Long-term sustainability.
The discussions are expected to inform future policy development and practical interventions to improve access to safe, affordable and quality accommodation for students.
Minister Highlights Challenges Facing Student Accommodation
Delivering the keynote address at the National Student Accommodation Indaba, Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela acknowledged that South Africa's student accommodation challenges extend beyond a shortage of available beds.
“Today, the student accommodation challenge is not only about the shortage of beds. It is also about governance, funding, payment delays, regulation, accreditation, affordability, safety and institutional coordination.
Students are raising legitimate concerns about delayed payments to accredited providers, threats of eviction, unbudgeted top-up fees, historical accommodation-related debt, accreditation delays, unsafe accommodation and weak enforcement of standards.
We must listen to those concerns. But listening does not mean that any stakeholder determines what government must say or do. It means we take evidence seriously. It means we engage honestly. It means we apply the law, policy and the public interest with firmness," concluded Manamela.
The National Student Accommodation Indaba aims to help shape practical solutions that ensure students across South Africa have access to dignified, affordable and sustainable accommodation while pursuing their studies.
