CPUT continues its mission to provide one of the most state-of-the-art campus housing offerings in the country.

The university is leading the way in setting a standard of excellence in residence management, and our students are the welcome beneficiaries of the new changes.

Last year ended on a high note with the institution celebrating the completion of the Cape Suites Residence Project. This project will see 400 beds go online and will provide female students with a living and learning environment in one of the most state-of-the-art campus housing offerings in the country. Cape Suites is a few metres from the District Six campus and provides safe and comfortable accommodation to some of our most vulnerable students.

Understanding the sustainability aspects of the university’s properties, the focus in 2024 was on quality enhancement to ensure that CPUT-owned residences remain attractive to our clientele, according to Phillip Chibvuri, Residence Finance Specialist.

This focus area is key for sustenance and the institution invested in the following:

 The Residences Facelift Project

This is an on-going project which focuses on the look and feel of each residence

“We are exploring the benefits of well-designed underutilised areas in each residence and bring them alive as research has shown the interior design of places and productivity are closely linked,” said Chibvuri

Operational Equipment

The Housing team has enhanced a number of residences with brand new microwaves, fridges, smart televisions and stoves.

A new batch of 100 laundry machines is in the pipeline to ensure that malfunctioning machines do not affect utilities such as water and electricity.

All heat pump systems received the necessary attention to ensure hot water in all 26 CPUT-owned residences.

Security

All 26 residences have been set onto the SALTO system, which is fully compatible with local technologies at CPUT.

In addition, the replacement and reconfiguration of all turnstiles at all residences are underway with some already fully functional

“We now have over 200 cameras for the exterior areas installed at strategic angles, functional, and monitored. More are underway in terms of interior and special areas of control in 2025. A facial recognition system (SAMS Project) has been piloted and the results are encouraging, and Campus Protection Services and Housing are working on a sustainable roll out plan in 2025.”

Chibvuri added: “We are optimistic we are going in a particular direction which will require thrifty approaches, sustainable solutions, and forward-thinking”.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Accommodation service providers are lending a helping hand to students remaining in leased residences by providing them with food parcels.

South Point, one of the biggest providers, has collaborated with the Gift of the Givers Foundation to secure food parcels for students who remain in South Point buildings during the national lockdown. This includes students who are self-funded as well as students who receive NSFAS or other funding and in addition to a food parcel drive initiated by the Department of Student Affairs.

Another large service provider, Park Central, has been offering students in its various buildings food parcels since the early days of the lockdown.   A weekly parcel is given to replenish students’ supplies.

More leased accommodation service providers are pledging to come on board and assist students.

 “We are grateful for the selfless work being done by our service providers, which goes a long way in ensuring students’ needs are met. They are displaying a huge measure of corporate responsibility which we welcome and encourage such gestures to continue post this period as we all have a common goal to serve our clients, (the students) in both good and bad times, “said Phillip Chibvuri, residence finance specialist in the Business Unit.

The Business Unit will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure students receive the necessary support in all spheres of operations. One of the service providers, Student Junction, is scheduled to start providing aid to students in their buildings from today (April 30). 

“More discussions are underway to negotiate business terms with these accommodation providers to reach mutual grounds post the lockdown as new risks will emerge and financial impacts will be felt. We are pleased all our service providers are willing to come to the table to craft and draft ways to reduce any adversities," added Johnny Basson, the business manager in the Business Unit.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.