UCT promises to provide student accommodation after housing crisis

Bonile Khanyi

The University of Cape Town said on Thursday that its Students Housing Department is working as quickly as possible to ensure that all students who have been offered accommodation on campus are placed as soon as possible.

Speaking to Inside Education, UCT’s spokesperson Elijah Moholola said that the university still needed to place 11% of students for the 2018 academic year.

“As off this morning (Thursday) 89% of our students were allocated a room. We still have to place 55 more of our students,” Moholola said.

Moholola said the university has increased accommodation capacity and that students would also be considered for an off-campus residence.

“UCT has increased accommodation capacity by signing leases with two private residences, which has added approximately 380 rooms,” the statement read.

“Students who have not yet been placed in residences for which they were made an offer will be placed in other UCT residences or one of the two leased off-campus residences.”

He urged students who encounter any problems with their accommodation to contact Student Housing on 021 650 2977 or email res@uct.ac.za.

He also said those who have not been offered residence on campus are being assisted with securing off-campus accommodation.

“Students who have not received residence offers are being assisted with securing off-campus accommodation through the university’s Off Campus Student Accommodation Services (OCSAS),” said Moholola.

“Students who still need assistance are encouraged to contact OCSAS on 021 650 4934 or email ocsas@uct.ac.za.”