OUTA has welcomed the Auditor-General’s inspection of NSFAS-funded student accommodation, saying it presents an opportunity to strengthen oversight, improve compliance, and enhance student safety.
Speaking to VOC News, OUTA Senior Project Manager Rudie Heyneke said the organisation’s own investigation into student accommodation, released in March this year, uncovered significant shortcomings.
“We also shared that report with the Auditor-General, and I believe that, based on the findings we made, the Auditor-General decided to conduct a national audit of as many student accommodation facilities as possible,” he said.
Heyneke said OUTA’s investigation found that around 20% of student accommodation facilities failed to comply with the Department of Higher Education’s minimum norms and standards.
“Our findings showed that about 20% of student accommodation facilities are not compliant with the Department of Higher Education’s minimum norms and standards,” he said.
He explained that the department introduced these standards in 2015 to ensure students have access to safe and suitable living conditions.
“There are basic requirements that accommodation facilities must meet, such as providing a bed, electricity, and water,” he said. “However, there are also stricter requirements, including room size, the number of occupants allowed per room, adequate Wi-Fi, cleaning services, and 24-hour security.”
According to Heyneke, many privately owned student accommodation facilities do not meet these requirements, raising concerns about student wellbeing and the effective use of public funds.
OUTA said the Auditor-General’s findings should be used not only to identify shortcomings but also to improve accreditation and verification processes before students are placed and payments are made.
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
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