Big boost for student living quarters

As the number of enrolments continues to surge at institutions of higher learning, shortage of quality and affordable accommodation has become a pressing concern for students.

Gauteng MEC for human settlements Tasneem Motara launched 47 units – translating into 378 beds – in Doornfontein and Brixton yesterday.

At the unveiling of the R83.7 million project, made possible by a contribution from the Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF), Motara said demand for student accommodation in Gauteng far exceeded supply.

“We must not only continue to build but also innovate and rethink our strategies,” said Motara.

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Students benefit from further accommodation

The event marked “a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to ensuring that our students have access to safe, secure and affordable housing”.

“These units are designed, not just for living, but for fostering a community where students can thrive,” she said.

She challenged the GPF to “go beyond urban areas into our townships”.

On affordability, Motara said it was “in line with the quantum regulated by Nsfas [National Student Financial Aid Scheme], with buildings given an A grade”.

GPF board chair Craig Cornish said thousands of people settled in Gauteng in pursuit of academic and economic opportunities.

“We see investing in student accommodation as just as critical as investing in education itself,” said Cornish.

The department of higher education and training’s recommended minimum standards regulating student accommodation are: single rooms not be smaller than 9m2 and double rooms not be smaller than 14m2.

The rooms must be furnished and fitted – as per the specifications in the minimum standards for student housing room manual.

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