UJ, Wits students raise alarm over deepening accommodation crisis

As the 2026 academic year kicks off, students at the University of Johannesburg and the University of the Witwatersrand are sounding the alarm over a worsening accommodation crisis that threatens not only their academic success, but also their safety and overall well‑being. 
Across South Africa, the demand for student housing continues to far outstrip supply. Nationally, more than 500 000 student beds are needed to meet current demand – a shortfall that leaves universities unable to house all applicants who require residence placement.

[COMING UP] @LeanneManas is in conversation with Private Student Housing service providers talking student concerns. Chief Executive Officer, Private Student Housing Association, Kagisho Mamabolo joins us. #MorningLive #SABCNews pic.twitter.com/FaMogzwkQ7
— SABCNews_MorningLive (@MorningLiveSABC) March 5, 2026

At the University of Johannesburg alone, for the 2026 academic year, the institution received close to 100 000 student accommodation applications, despite having an on‑campus capacity of just over 7 000 beds.
As a result, thousands of students are forced into unregulated or unsafe housing environments, where concerns over security and living standards continue to grow.
In some instances, students have reportedly resorted to sleeping in lecture halls or SRC offices due to lack of placement in formal residences.

www.sabcnews.com, https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/uj-wits-students-raise-alarm-over-deepening-accommodation-crisis/