City steps in to help stranded students
Students were notified in time about the closure of Stratford residence.
HUNDREDS of students were left stranded last week when the Durban University of Technology evicted them from its Stratford residence, forcing eThekwini Municipality to come to their rescue with alternative temporary accommodation.
According to DUT, students were notified in time about the proposed closure of the Stratford residence, but this was refuted by students who said they were left stranded with no place to sleep after they were evicted from their rooms. Doc Nhassengo, the Director of Student Housing and Resident Life at the Durban University of Technology said various communiques were placed on the residence notice boards and the students were engaged on the matter in order to reach feasible solutions for all.
“Students were notified in time about the closure of the Stratford residence and alternative accommodation was acquired. Those students who were legitimate occupants have been placed accordingly. The students who remained without accommodation are either unfunded or not registered and therefore DUT cannot place them in any of its residences. We can no longer sustain them (students) in any residence for free when they do not have funding,” Nhassengo said.
Accommodation at Universities has become a major problem over the past decade as the country’s university sector went through numerous changes including mergers and incorporations. According to the Department of Higher Education and Training, between 2010 and 2016, universities reported over 20 incidents of student housing-related protests, with most of the protests at ‘historically black’ institutions, which are generally less well resourced. The lack of supply of student housing, or sub-standard accommodation, was one of the primary causes for poor performance and high dropout rates at some universities.
Last week, eThekwini mayor, Zandile Gumede stepped in and sent a delegate from her office, Mlu Ntobela to work with DUT management and the SRC to find a solution for the homeless students. The students affected have now been temporarily homed at the Durban Hotel until they have finished writing exams.
“The matter has been concluded and we are proud to announce that no DUT student will remain homeless. We are waiting upon the Dean of Students to verify everything and the process will continue in the hands of the leadership,”he said.
However, a student from the university who could not be identified for fear of victimization said the move by the University proved that the school has no place for poor students.
“Whether you produce your academic records or proof that you are poor, the University does not care. We are tired of marching and protesting about the unfair treatment we receive as poor students. The University treats us like hooligans who are anti-education while in reality, we have to protest in order to receive funds and accommodation,” he said.
DUT SRC President, Zama Mncube extended the students’thanks to the city for sympathizing with the students’ situation. “We hope that the ANC will continue to lead,” she said
Students have been cautioned not to bring outsiders to stay with them at the hotel and to ensure that they produce their correct student numbers to make the screening process easier to check if they are registered or not. Those who receive money for private accommodation are urged to continue renting and not limit opportunities for those who desperately need it.
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