‘It’s becoming low-cost housing’: Petition calls for halt to Durban student conversions

A petition has been launched in Durban, demanding an immediate halt to the conversion of houses into student accommodations. Problem Properties, a non-profit organization, has created the petition, stating that every available house in certain areas of the city is being converted for this purpose. Niki Moore, the organization's manager, urges the eThekwini Municipality to place a moratorium on approving new student accommodations until a feasibility study is conducted to determine the actual need for such accommodations.

Moore calls for an investigation into existing student accommodations in various areas within Ward 33 and Ward 101, such as Glenwood, Umbilo, Carrington Heights, Glenmore, Manor Gardens, and Westridge, to ensure compliance with zoning, building, health, and safety requirements. If non-compliant establishments are found, the municipality should take appropriate enforcement action, including closure, she argues.

The organization's concerns stem from a statement made by Tebogo Letsie, the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training. Letsie suggested that some university student representative councils are pushing for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme's (NSFAS) cap on student accommodation costs to be removed. Currently, the cap stands at around R52,000 per student for accommodation, introduced by NSFAS in 2023 to prevent private providers from inflating prices.

Letsie announced that a colloquium on student accommodation will take place on August 28, 2026, where national student organizations will voice their opinions on the matter. Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala addressed a SAUS Student Accommodation Indaba earlier in July 2026. He emphasized the importance of student accommodation as a strategic form of social infrastructure that directly impacts student success, economic participation, and long-term national development.

Zikalala disclosed that the Historic Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) 14 aims to deliver around 300,000 beds across public universities and TVET colleges by 2030. As of now, phase one has delivered over 12,219 beds, while phase two targets an additional 24,400 beds, supported by an estimated investment of R7.2 billion. Illegal building practices are a concern for eThekwini Municipality, with spokesperson Gugu Sisilana stating that the municipality continues to take enforcement action against unauthorised construction work. Sisilana encourages residents to report suspicious construction activity in their neighborhoods.