DUT investigates complaints over student residence

WHILE #shutdownHertineCourt trended on social media as scores of Durban University of Technology (DUT) students raised concerns about the state of Hertine Court residence, the University says no formal complaint has been lodged with the department of Student Housing and Residence Life.

The Residence, which is situated in the Albert Park area, has a total capacity of 162 students both male and female. It has 2-sleeper and 4-sleeper accommodation which costs more than R30 000 per year, which includes transport to and from campus.

According to Senior Director: Corporate Affairs at DUT Alan Khan, the University has committed itself to investigate the concerns that were raised on social media.

“The conditions of our student residences and the wellbeing of our students takes priority. DUT also notes that it is a standard requirement that all buildings with occupants need ongoing maintenance. The maintenance books in our residencies are completed by students/House Committee members and they are inspected on a weekly basis, unless the issue is classified as an emergency, when it is then escalated to the Residence Manager by the existing leadership structures,” he said.

ALSO READ: DUT resolves housing crisis

Social media user, Nkosenhle Sibisi said: “We are not taken serious. DUT Department of Housing and Student Res Life is gambling with our lives. This building is not safe, filthy and yet we’re expected to pay over 30K.” While social media user, Sam Nzimande asked How can a res that was burned down only have renovations to a few rooms when the whole place is dilapidated?

“Emergency repairs are often executed within a 24-hour period, whilst general replacement or renovation of broken facilities may take longer, primarily due to procurement and supply chain processes. Even in such cases, the University always fast-tracks processes. All older buildings are regularly in a state of renovation in one form or another. DUT would like to sincerely apologise to the students affected by the reported conditions at Hertine Court Residence. Once the investigation has been concluded, necessary action will be taken to address the issues raised,” concluded Khan.

There is a huge shortage of accommodation for the thousands of university students streaming to campuses across the country. The Higher Education Department estimates around 216,000 students are without suitable accommodation, and almost 400,000 beds are needed to meet government’s enrollment targets for 2030.

It admits many universities weren’t built with student housing as a priority. For some of these students, a morning routine includes having to dodge campus security to go about their ablutions, before heading to lectures. Being homeless on campus means they have to make do with squatting in an office, a library or even in the toilet blocks.

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