Major boost for student residences

South Africa’s Walter Sisulu University and the University of Fort Hare will each receive R120 million (US$13,2 million) this year to build new student accommodation and refurbish existing dormitories, writes Denise Williams for Daily Dispatch.

They are among the beneficiaries of a R6 billion government package allocated for university infrastructure this financial year, of which R1.6 billion was ringfenced for student accommodation. A report commissioned in 2009 by Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande and released last year found that at least R147 billion was needed over the next 15 years to address shortages in student housing at universities. The ministerial committee members on their visits to universities found shocking conditions, including students squatting in unhygienic residences, going to bed hungry and sharing small beds.

In a report to parliament’s oversight committee last week, the Department of Higher Education and Training said historically disadvantaged institutions would receive 85% of the money earmarked for the refurbishment of residences while historically advantaged institutions would receive R247.3 million (15%).
Full report on the Daily Dispatch site