Johannesburg - The Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco) is in the business of providing lower-entry residential units.
However, this week, it launched its first student accommodation building, in Wolmarans Street, Braamfontein.
Member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for housing Mlungisi Mabaso was accompanied by Joshco board chairperson Theodore Dhlamini, ward councillor Nokuthula Xaba and other Joscho senior executives, to the launch.
After 17 years of providing and managing social and affordable rental accommodation to the lower-income market, the social housing company was responding the call to deliver accommodation for students, Mabaso said.
The building, Dakalo Court, on the corner of Simmonds and Wolmarans streets in the inner city, is close to amenities, Wits University, and other higher education institutions within the precinct, as well as public transport nodes.
It has 89 units comprising studio units with shared facilities, bachelor units, one-bedroomed and two-bedroomed units. Rentals are between R3 500 and R4 100 a month. The building has free wi-fi.
Mabaso said the city planned to ramp up its supply of units dedicated to student accommodation.
“We are responding to the demand for student accommodation. There are more than 20 institutions of higher learning and the target is to provide 5000 beds over the next three years.”
Student ambassadors Andile Kwezi, a 19-year-old UJ student, said: “We are very happy with this building.
“The building is safe, secure and very close to our university and major transport nodes. The name ‘Dakalo’ means happiness.”
The second targeted building will also be in the inner city. Joshco has secured relations with UJ and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.
The Star