The JB Marks Local Municipality has issued a public awareness notice warning that compliance inspections of student housing will begin in March, amid mounting pressure to clamp down on illegal and non-compliant developments across Potchefstroom.

The move follows ongoing concerns about the proliferation of unapproved student accommodation facilities, often operating outside municipal regulations and placing a strain on infrastructure and safety standards.

In the notice, the municipality states it has become aware of several illegal student accommodation facilities and development operations without the required approval, signalling a more aggressive enforcement approach.

“All property owners, developers, and operators of student accommodation are hereby informed that compliance with municipal regulations is mandatory,” the notice reads.

While an exact start date has not yet been confirmed, the municipality indicated that formal inspections will commence during March. Property owners and developers can expect to receive official notices from the Town Planning Inspector ahead of site visits.

The warning comes amid a broader, long-standing issue in Potchefstroom, where residential properties are frequently converted into high-density student housing without the necessary zoning approvals, building plans, or safety certifications.

Municipal spokesperson Jeanette Tshite previously confirmed that non-compliant student housing remains a significant concern, raising serious questions around student safety, health standards, and orderly urban development.

According to the municipality, overcrowding in these properties continues to place significant pressure on water, electricity, and sewerage infrastructure, while in some cases lacking critical safety measures such as fire compliance and valid occupancy certificates.

The North-West University (NWU) has reiterated that the enforcement of zoning and building regulations falls solely within the municipality’s mandate, although it remains in discussions with local authorities to improve alignment and oversight.

NWU spokesperson Louis Jacobs previously noted that while zoning certificates are currently part of optional accreditation requirements for student housing, they will become mandatory in the next accreditation cycle.

The latest notice, issued by MMC for Housing Development and Planning, Adrë Lee-Rail Swarts, makes it clear that non-compliance will carry serious consequences.

These include fines and penalties, the possible closure of illegal student accommodation, and legal action against property owners and developers who fail to meet municipal requirements.

The municipality has again urged all stakeholders to proactively verify their compliance status, register properties where required, and address any outstanding zoning or regulatory issues before inspections begin.