By Johnathan Paoli
KwaZulu-Natal will host a National Student Financial Aid Scheme student accommodation workshop, bringing together key stakeholders to address critical issues affecting student accommodation and formulate strategies for the 2025 academic year.
The workshop, which will be held in Durban on Tuesday and Wednesday, is expected be led by NSFAS administrator Freeman Nomvalo.
It will provide a platform for collaboration among universities, Technical Vocational Education and Training colleges, student representatives and accommodation providers.
NSFAS spokesperson Anele Ntswayi said with the rising demand for affordable, high-quality and accessible student housing, the workshop sought to develop actionable solutions to stabilise and enhance the student accommodation ecosystem.
Ntswayi confirmed the workshop would focus on three main goals including encouraging collaboration between NSFAS and other stakeholders to foster a coordinated approach to student housing challenges.
Additionally, planning for 2025 would help create clear strategies to address current gaps and ensure smoother accommodation services for the next academic year.
The workshop would address core challenges by tackling pressing issues such as the affordability, quality and accessibility of student accommodation to ensure all students had a conducive living and learning environment.
He said student accommodation remained a critical concern in South Africa’s higher education sector, with many students facing inadequate housing options, often compromising their academic performance and overall well-being.
As the primary financial aid provider for underprivileged students, the NSFAS recognises the urgent need to streamline and enhance the accommodation process.
The workshop sessions will feature discussions on policy, infrastructure and innovative funding models to ensure affordable and high-quality student housing.
KwaZulu-Natal is among the top three provinces, including Gauteng and the Eastern Cape, that have required detailed attention from the scheme to clear student accommodation claims.
Nomvalo confirmed that he would ensure all legitimate claims would be settled by the end of the year.
The province’s largest student accommodation development commenced construction last month near the main gate of the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Howard College campus in Durban’s Berea.
The R800 million project, led by Growthpoint Properties under its Thrive Student Living brand, is expected to provide 2400 student beds, addressing the student housing shortage.
INSIDE EDUCATION
