Student housing risks in new focus

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has been instrumental in the growth of the student accommodation sector in the past 22 years, allowing investors, construction companies and student housing management companies to expand. But student protests this month over funding shortfalls highlight the risks for the sector. Read the full article online at: https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/business/2021-03-21-student-housing-risks-in-new-focus/

Innovation can produce affordable student housing

John Schooling

South Africa is facing a chronic student housing shortage. While universities across the country search for ways to provide affordable accommodation, preconceived ideas about what student housing should cost is preventing major advancements. To ensure the next generation of students is adequately provided for, it is vital for universities and developers to change the way[…]

New UFH student village set for completion this December

Despite delays caused by the national Covid-19 lockdown, the University of Fort Hare’s (UFH) new 2,047-bed student village will reach completion in December 2020. The new residence was unveiled at a roof-wetting ceremony, attended by vice chancellor of the university Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, contributing SMMEs from the local community, and members of the Alice business[…]

Economic pinch puts spotlight on green building

South Africa’s construction industry continues to suffer the effects of the national lockdown. Unexpected delays and disruptions have resulted in increasing construction costs, which have had a knock-on effect for both developers and end-users. World Green Building Week, which runs from 21 to 25 September, encourages construction industry professionals to consider adopting a green approach,[…]

University education is key to preventing future outbreaks

UniversityEducation

A spotlight has been placed on the role of scientific research and the study of viruses and diseases, due to the outbreak of Covid-19. Moving forward, the training and education of scientists, researchers and health specialists is critical to the country’s ability to develop vaccines and care for the population. Universities are best placed to[…]

Student accommodation: designing for the new normal

StudentHousingInforgraphic

The Covid-19 pandemic continues to create uncertainty for the country’s higher education sector. In addition to the cost of shifting to online learning, massive losses in revenue and unpredictable 2021 enrolments, will see universities face increasing financial strain. For current and prospective students, lockdown-related job losses will impact their families’ ability to afford fees and[…]

University of Fort Hare construction resumes

University of Fort Hare Construction

Following two months of hard lockdown, the development of a 2 047-bed student village at the University of Fort Hare (UFH) has resumed. Covid-19 has had a severe impact on the construction industry in South Africa, including material shortages, loss of income and the delay of key infrastructure projects, such as student housing. With the sector[…]

#LockdownLessons – Q&A with John Schooling

John Schooling

As part of their #LockdownLessons series, Bizcommunity reached out to South Africa’s top industry players to share their experience of the current Covid-19 crisis, how their organisations are navigating these unusual times, where the challenges and opportunities lie, and their industry outlook for the near future. They chatted with John Schooling, Director of STAG African[…]