Question NW530 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
28 March 2024 - NW530
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)Whether he has been informed that private accommodation owners who are accredited by the Sol Plaatje University in the Northern Cape were charged an amount of R250 per month by the specified university; if not, why not; if so, (2) whether it is standard for universities to be charging private accommodation owners the specified fee; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how is the fee used by the university and (b) what total amount has the university raised through the specified process since it started operating?
Reply:
Part 1: Prior to this Parliamentary Question, I was not informed of the amount charged by the Sol Plaatje University (SPU). This is because the accreditation of private student accommodation is carried out by the institutions in line with their own policies and processes.
In its response to the question, SPU indicates the following:
- It imposes a fee for the accreditation of off-campus accommodation for the purpose of ensuring that this accommodation meets the University’s standards for safety, quality, and student comfort.
- It charges between R500-R1500 per year for each facility.
- Following accreditation, a nominal monthly administration fee is charged for each student housed, covering ongoing oversight and support services.
Part 2 – Main Question: Yes, it is a standard practise for universities to be charged private accommodation owners a fee for the accreditation of their facilities.
Part 2 (a): SPU responded as follows:
- These funds reimburse the University for administrative tasks, including managing payments to landlords and covering associated costs such as banking fees.
- The revenue directly contributes to enhancing the living and learning environment of its students. Specifically, it offsets bank charges and supports the residence budget.
- Despite facing financial challenges in managing residence operations as detailed in its published financial statements, these efforts reflect the University’s commitment to providing quality student accommodation.
- The charges are pivotal for maintaining its high accommodation standards.
Part 2 (b): SPU reports that it introduced private student accommodation in 2023 and for the 2023 financial year, it raised an amount of R4.2 million.
Additional Information: In addition to the above, SPU indicates the following:
- The University is committed to ensuring the highest standards of off-campus accommodation for its students.
- In line with this commitment, the University implements an accreditation system accompanied by a structured fee model: