There has been a high demand for student accommodations in public universities and TVET colleges. Currently, Higher Education is reviewing and seeking to strengthen its infrastructure development strategy for the Post School Education and Training (PSET) sector, primarily focusing on student accommodation.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) revealed that during the 2023/23 to 2023/24 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period, the total amount available for investment in infrastructure projects across the 26 universities is R7.584 billion, with R2.953 billion going towards student accommodation.
DHET Minister Dr. Blade Nzimande had said that the department is seeking partnerships with the private sector as there isn’t enough budget for student accommodation.
Whilst Higher Education institutions are still facing the harsh reality that comes with the shortage of student accommodation, there are projects underway to meet the high demand.
In a statement, Nzimande confirmed: There are currently 76 student housing projects underway
In a parliamentary committee meeting, it was also indicated that additional funding was secured from the Infrastructure and Efficiency Grant, Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI), and Sibusiso Bengu Development Grant for housing projects.
The institutions involved in these housing projects are:
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Central University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- Mangosuthu University of Technology
- Nelson Mandela University
- North-West University
- Rhodes University
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
- Stellenbosch University
- Tshwane University of Technology
- University of Fort Hare
- University of Johannesburg
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of Limpopo
- University of Pretoria
- University of the Western Cape
- University of Venda
- University of Zululand
- Vaal University of Technology
- Walter Sisulu University
The total funding allocated to housing projects through this additional funding amounts to R4.547 billion, of which 56% is said to have gone to the 8 institutions under the Sibusiso Bengu Development.