The University of the Western Cape (UWC) has partnered with various branches of government to address the national student housing issue. The official launch of the university’s Unibell Residence on 24 April has revealed more than 2700 extra beds. The new facility has a gym, a laundromat and water and electricity generating technology. 

The R670-million residence - a safe walking distance from the main campus in Bellville - was visited and opened by Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Blade Ndzimande. Minister Nzimande applauded the university for expanding its residential precinct.

“Our Infrastructure and Efficiency Grants are investing significant funds into infrastructure and development at the eight historically disadvantaged institutions which include UWC. Over the six cycles of this infrastructure grants programmes from the 2007/2008 financial year to the 2024/2025 financial  year, a total of R12-billion has been allocated,” he said.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Development and Support, Prof Matete Madiba, shared the minister’s sentiments and believes the residence has eased the ongoing pressure of student housing.

“Unibell has filled in significant space at this stage. We have 5800 beds we can offer to students, but on an annual basis, when we check the records, there are 20 000 applications for beds in any one year,’’ said Prof Madiba.



For more images from the launch of the Unibell Student Residence, all taken by Ruvan Boshoff/UWC Media, scroll through the gallery below: