Former UJ senior director ordered to repay R18.18 million over fraudulent student housing scheme

Former University of Johannesburg Senior Director Andries Helani has been ordered to repay the university R18.18 million after being found guilty of breaching his contract. The Labour Court ruled that Helani accepted bribes and made fraudulent misrepresentations to help Mahlatse Investments secure accreditation for two student accommodation properties in Braamfontein.

The properties, which should not have been accredited, were found to have significantly fewer beds than advertised. Helani served as Senior Director for Student Affairs from 2017 until his dismissal in 2024, overseeing the university's dealings with private accommodation providers. The court found that Helani received multiple payments from Mahlatse Investments and other providers, totaling R18.18 million, and did not disclose his relationships with these entities.

Despite warnings about fraudulent activity, Helani did not flag the issues when the accreditation process occurred. The court also found that Helani had been warned about fraudulent conduct involving the property owners and that the inspection process was compromised.