By Charmaine Nkosi
As a student from Mpumalanga who moved to Durban to pursue higher education, I understand the importance of student accommodation. With limited space in university residences, many students rely on private accommodation to continue their studies.
In 2023, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) introduced a student accommodation pilot project allowing landlords to register properties on its platform. The project became fully operational at the beginning of the 2025 academic year, contributing to the growth of student accommodation in the city.
However, the expansion has raised concerns among residents in areas such as Glenwood, Umbilo, Manor Gardens, Westridge and Sydenham. Complaints include excessive noise, overcrowding, litter, traffic congestion and pressure on municipal infrastructure.
THE PROBLEM IS NOT STUDENTS
Residents have increasingly questioned the conversion of family homes into student accommodation. Reports of disruptive gatherings, including a large student party in Durban’s Davenport area, have added to frustrations.
Community activist Niki Moore has raised concerns about properties allegedly being converted without proper planning approvals and accommodating more people than they were designed for.
If these allegations are confirmed, the problem is not students pursuing an education but inadequate planning, property management and enforcement of municipal regulations.
Students also deserve safe, affordable and decent accommodation. Overcrowded or poorly maintained residences benefit neither students nor surrounding communities.
RESIDENTS WANT ACCOUNTABILITY
Another concern is the municipality’s response to complaints. Residents and community groups say some developments continue operating despite alleged violations and stop-work notices.
In Sydenham, residents also protested against a proposed student accommodation development, raising concerns about community consultation.
When complaints go unresolved, residents can lose confidence in the municipality’s ability to enforce regulations and protect neighbourhoods.
At the same time, South Africa faces a shortage of university residence space, leaving many students dependent on private landlords. Speaking at a student accommodation indaba at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Edgewood Campus in July 2026, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala described student accommodation as strategic infrastructure linked to student success and national development.
DURBAN NEEDS BALANCE, NOT BLAME
As a Durban University of Technology student, I know how difficult it can be to find accommodation close to campus. For many students, private housing is their only option.
However, residents should not have to endure excessive noise, overcrowding and infrastructure problems because regulations are not enforced.
The solution is not to stop student accommodation development but to ensure that property owners comply with the law, the municipality enforces its regulations and communities are consulted about major developments.
Durban needs more student accommodation, but it must be developed responsibly. Students need places to live, while residents deserve neighbourhoods where their quality of life is protected.
Until the municipality demonstrates that development and regulation can go hand in hand, tensions surrounding the city’s so-called “student slums” are likely to continue.
