Government has set aside a further R1.1 billion to build additional accommodation at 17 institutions of higher learning across the country.

The funds, which have been allocated from the Infrastructure and Efficiency Grant, complement the R1 billion that was released to 14 universities for student housing in March 2017.

In addition, the department is working with some institutions to facilitate options to build on a larger scale over a longer period through the Student Housing Infrastructure Programme (SHIP).

Minister of Higher Education and Training Naledi Pandor says all universities are either busy constructing student housing or have funds to start new construction projects in 2018 as a result of this significant government investment.

Ongoing investments

Pandor notes that government will continue to invest in accelerating the construction of affordable student accommodation.

“The huge investment we are making in living and learning environments that are supportive of student success, is a clear indication of our commitment,” she adds.

The Minister is also calling on students to express their activism by respecting and maintaining the existing facilities and accommodation while legitimately lobbying for improved accommodation.

The government has invested a total of over R 16 billion in the past 13 years in the development and building of student accommodation, as well as establishing the two new universities in the Mpumalanga and Northern Cape provinces.