The National Treasury has allocated R 2.9 billion to the Department of Higher Education and Science and Technology for student housing for the next three years. Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, told guests at the Premier’s Gala Dinner at the distinguished Central University of Technology Hotel School on Sunday, 26 June 2022 that his department is working toward reducing the infrastructure backlog to meet the current student accommodation demands. The NSFAS National Student Accommodation Summit is underway at CUT’s Bloemfontein Campus – on 27 and 28 June 2022.

In his keynote address, Dr Nzimande said that Treasury had allocated R 2.9 billion for the much-needed infrastructural improvement of student housing within the sector. His department will provide about 16 858 beds to eleven universities. The minister further said that this is significant progress but still far from enough in terms of what is needed. In addition, more space is required to expand the existing student accommodation.

NSFAS is playing a critical role in terms of funding tuition fees of students in universities and TVET colleges.  Since its establishment, it has grown into a vital intervention programme that plays a crucial role in supporting the education of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.  It remains a beacon of hope for many young people who may not otherwise have an opportunity to realise their dreams. Over the years, the fund has helped so many young people across the country to gain access to higher education and achieve their goals of changing their lives, families, and communities.

He said that the student infrastructure project has its limitations despite its achievement. Currently, the project focuses exclusively on sourcing funds from Treasury. Therefore, the government needs to develop a sustainable solution for student housing through partnerships. He said the government is committed to a principled partnership with the private sector to address proper accreditation of student accommodation.

His department is expected to develop a comprehensive strategy to rapidly increase student accommodation, considering the role of different players, including the government, NSFAS and resources from the private sector.

Caption

1: Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology.

2: On stage at the Premier’s Gala Dinner is Premier Sisi Ntombela (middle) with Minister Nzimande (to her right) accompanied by various government and NSFAS officials, as well as important role-players from the business sector participating in the summit.