Affordable student accommodation project completed in Pretoria Gardens
The project has 77 units and can accommodate 308 students.
The provincial Department of Human Settlements and the Tshwane metro recently celebrated the completion of a student accommodation project in Pretoria Gardens.
Dubbed Ha Bo Rena is located at 459 Hanny Street in Pretoria Gardens and stakeholders say the building will help ease students’ burden of looking for affordable accommodation.
Gauteng MEC for Housing and Human Settlements Tasneem Motara, Tshwane’s MMC for Human Settlements Aaron Maluleka and supporting role players officially launched the project on November 28.
Ha Bo Rena is a collaborative initiative between the Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF), the National Empowerment Fund and Mapchief Trading.
The project has 77 units and can accommodate 308 students. It is 34km from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), ensuring that students have easy access to the institution.
Motara congratulated the developer and both funders. In her keynote address, she said: “This project is not just a building; it represents our commitment to addressing the critical needs of students in Gauteng and advancing social transformation in our province. Initiatives such as these are also important in achieving the city’s broader human settlements agenda.”
She said the facility will assist in addressing the following issues:
– Addressing the lack of provincial student accommodation while providing affordable accommodation to disadvantaged students.
– Contributing to a better quality of life for disadvantaged students by placing them in a well-connected area.
– Allowing black developers to be part of the affordable accommodation market, thus fostering a more inclusive economy.
Construction began in May 2022 and was completed in October 2023 and the facility is already 80% occupied. Motara said this is a clear testament to the demand for quality student accommodation in the province.
“As we celebrate this significant milestone, it is essential to recognise the importance of this project. Ha Bo Rona is more than a place to stay; it is a community, a space for learning, growth and connection. I urge every occupant to take pride in this facility – guard it, care for it and treat it as your own home. Your stewardship will ensure that future generations of students can also benefit from this remarkable space.”
She also mentioned the water challenges the province is facing, urging residents to conserve as much as possible.
“I encourage all residents to be mindful of their water consumption – whether that means taking shorter showers, using water-efficient appliances, or being conscious of how we use water in our daily routines. Every small action can contribute to a significant impact,” she said.
Maluleka said the metro currently houses several institutions of higher education, thus the need for accommodation among students is great.
“The Ha Bo Rena student accommodation is a flagship project aimed at providing a safe, modern and conducive living environment for students pursuing higher education. The facility is designed to foster academic excellence while supporting the well-being of students. The GPF as an agency of the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has been tasked with providing affordable human settlements in Gauteng,” he said.
Maluleka added that the project is an example of the critical role that private and public partnerships play in the development of housing and community upliftment.
“The City of Tshwane remains committed to creating inclusive, safe and sustainable communities through innovative housing solutions,” said Maluleka.
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