4   No.

39238 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEPTEMBER 2015

GDEPARTMENT
overnment Notices • Goewermentskennisgewings
OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Higher Education and Training, Department of/ Hoër Onderwys en Opleiding, Departement van

DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

No.
NO. R. 897  September 2015
29 SEPTEMBER 2015
897 Higher Education Act (101/1997): The Policy on the Minimum Norms and Standards for Student Housing at Public Universities 39238

HIGHER EDUCATION ACT, 1997 (ACT NO. 101 OF 1997)

THE POLICY ON THE MINIMUM NORMS AND STANDARDS FOR STUDENT

HOUSING AT PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

I, Bonginkosi Emmanuel Nzimande, MP, Minister of Higher Education and Training, in terms of
section 3 of the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act No. 101 of 1997), after consulting the Council
on Higher Education, hereby publish the Policy on the Minimum Norms and Standards for
Student Housing at Public Universities, as contained in the attached Schedule. The effective date
for the implementation of this policy will be the date of gazetting the policy.

Dr BE Nzimande,
Minister of Higher Education and Training
Date: 17/09/15

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SCHEDULE

POLICY ON THE MINIMUM NORMS AND STANDARDS FOR STUDENT HOUSING

AT PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

1. INTRODUCTION
 
The Report on the Ministerial Committee for the Review of the Provision of Student Housing at
South African Universities, September 2011 (hereinafter referred to as the Report) established
that the accommodation of students is broader than the mere provisioning of beds; it is about
establishing living, learning and social communities.

The Report established that there are widely varying standards for housing university students
across the public higher education sector. A significant proportion of the current stock was found
to be sub-standard. Amongst others, the lack of adequate food and nutrition was identified as a
challenge for most students living in student residences. The Report also showed that there is a
severe shortage of accommodation for students with disabilities. Most universities have no
suitable residences for students who require wheelchair accessible buildings, rooms and
bathroom facilities.

In the past there has been no national policy or guideline to provide minimum standards for the
housing of students in the university sector.

The Policy on the Minimum Norms and Standards for Student Housing at Public Universities has
been developed in response to the findings of the Report.

The aim of the Policy on the Minimum Norms and Standards for Student Housing at Public
Universities (hereinafter referred to as the Policy) is to regulate the provision of on- and off-
campus student housing at South African public universities. The norms and standards must be
applied at all public universities and university-accredited student housing providers across the
sector.

The application of these norms and standards will ensure that students are provided with
adequate, fit-for-purpose accommodation of reasonable quality, and enjoy learning and living
environments that promote academic success.

This Policy must be implemented when planning specifications for the building of new student
housing and where practical, the refurbishment and renovation of existing student housing.
Student housing must provide for universal access for students with disabilities, and all

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6   No. 39238 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEPTEMBER 2015

reasonable measures must be taken to ensure that disability is incorporated into the design of
new residences.  

This Policy does not absolve or release any student housing provider from any local, provincial
and national legislation which applies to any aspect of the housing and housing of students for
example the National Building Regulations and Occupational Health and Safety Act.

2. GENERAL DEFINITIONS

In this policy, words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice versa and words
importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter genders, and vice versa
and any word or expression to which a meaning has been assigned in the Higher Education Act
bears the meaning so assigned, unless the context indicates otherwise-

“accessible” means public places must be accessible to individuals with disabilities through
architectural design (such as ramps, wheelchair-wide doorways) and/or the use of assistive
technologies;

“audits” means a random sampling of facilities;

“council controlled funds” means the total of all funds, inclusive of both encumbered and
designated funds, that are under the control of the council, but does not include non-
discretionary funds;

"Department" means the Department of Higher Education and Training as the government
department responsible for higher education;

"Higher Education Act" means the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act No. 101 of 1997);

“on-campus accommodation” means units for accommodation on the premises of the

university, which can vary from large blocks of rooms similar to residence halls, to multiple
bedroom houses that house students;

“off-campus privately owned housing” means privately owned housing units. This can vary
from large blocks of rooms similar to residence halls, to multiple bedroom houses that house
only students, through to individual rooms in houses occupied by the home owner. This includes
a housing facility leased by the university directly with a landlord or indirectly through an
accredited leasing agent;

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“paraplegic” means complete paralysis of the lower half of the body including both legs,
usually caused by damage to the spinal cord;

"public university” means any public higher education institution that is established, deemed to
be established, or declared as a public higher education institution under the Higher Education
Act, 1997 (Act No. 101 of 1997), or any amendment thereof;

“residence hall” means a block with large numbers of individual or twin rooms, with shared
bathrooms on each floor, and where in self-catering residences there are usually shared kitchen
facilities;

“student village” means a number or a cluster of buildings on- or off-campus exclusively used
to house the students of the university;

“universal design” means architectural design of a device, physical plant or workplace

environment which is intended to be used by all, i.e. does not represent an impediment for
persons with disabilities; and

"Vice-Chancellor" means the head/chief executive or accounting officer of a public higher

education institution and includes a principal or a rector.

3. APPLICATION

The Policy is applicable to all public universities and privately owned accommodation accredited
by public universities. These Norms and Standards should be incorporated into the criteria
developed by each public university and stipulated in the university’s policy and rules. Private
providers shall establish clear and comprehensive standard lease agreements after consultation
with relevant University officials and student representatives. Universities should rate and
differentiate off-campus student accommodation according to standards set by each University.

4. PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
 
The following Minimum Norms and Standards, including the standards contained in the room
specification manual (appended to this Policy at Annexure A) must be applied to all new
residence buildings. The refurbishment and rennovation of existing residences must aim to bring
existing residence buildings in line with these minimum standards, with the exception of room
size, within a reasonable and fair time period (see section 12 of this Policy).

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4.1. Sites of residences

The site or location of student housing can have a profound impact upon access, equity and
redress for students requiring housing as well as upon their academic success. In order to ensure
equitable access to the academic facilities and support services of the university/campus, the
following minimum standards are recommended:

a. the housing facility must preferably be situated within the campus security perimeter,
thereby affording residents the freedom to make full use of the academic, social, cultural
and sporting programs of the university without restriction or hindrance; and

b. should on-campus locations be unavailable, then student housing sites must be within a
radius of no more than 20 kilometres of the campus. Plans for any newly planned
university-owned or leased student residence that do not conform to the 20 kilometre
radius must be submitted to the Department for approval. Affordable and secure transport
running at regular intervals from early morning to late night must be provided for housing
further than 5 kilometres from the campus. Such sites should be carefully selected with
the safety, security and well-being of students in mind.

4.2. Design of residences

The following minimum design standards are applicable:

a. new residence designs must accommodate a maximum of two students per room;

b. single rooms must be no smaller than 8m², and double rooms must be no smaller than
14m². These room dimensions are applicable to the design of all new buildings from the
date of publication of this Gazette, but are not applicable to existing stock;

c. dormitory/hall type residence buildings must comply with the following minimum
standard and norms for ablution facilities:
• wash basins – 1 basin per 4 student residents
• shower cubicles – 1 shower cubicle per 7 student residents
• lavatories – 1 lavatory per 5 student residents
• shower and lavatory cubicles must be designed in such a way that individual
privacy is provided (i.e., no communal showers or toilets)
• telephones and/or alarm bells (depending on affordability to the university) must
be placed in accessible and strategic locations, so that students with disabilities
are not disadvantaged;

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d. the following minimum social spaces should be provided:

• large common/meeting rooms – a minimum of 1,5m2 of communal space per student
resident for the first 100 students and 1m2 per student resident for numbers in excess
of 100. Such communal space shall comprise a combination of some or all of the
following: communal lounges, games rooms, gymnasia, television rooms,
meeting/seminar rooms, dedicated group study spaces, computer centres, or other
appropriate spaces
• smaller TV/meeting rooms – at least 9m2;

e. in terms of the provision of meals, residences are designed to be either self–catering or

non-self-catering. In the case of non-self-catering residences the university must provide
meals. In the case of self-catering residences, the following minimum food preparation
standards must be provided in a separate kitchen(s):
• suitable food storage, preparation and kitchen space shall be provided
• stove – 1 four plate stove (with oven) per 8 students
• cold storage – a minimum of a 320 litre capacity fridge / freezer combination is a
the minimum requirement per 8 students
• sink – 1 per 15 students
• lockable cupboards – 1 per student
• microwave oven – 1 per 15 students
• countertop space – sufficient for 25% of the capacity of the student residents for
simultaneous usage;

f. the most cost effective access to internet, as determined by the university, is required in
all residences. It is preferable that all student rooms have access to the internet for study
purposes. All communal spaces designed for study purposes in residences must have
internet access; and

g. where self-catering facilities are provided for students with disabilities, universal design
must include consideration of space to allow for independent movement of the student in
the food preparation area and bathrooms. The positioning of all announcement features
such as intercoms, telephones, counter loops and induction loop systems for those with
hearing impairments, door handles, gates and warning signals must be considered to
ensure universal design and barrier-free access to all pathways, entrances and doorways.

5. HEALTH AND SAFETY

 
All providers of student housing must comply with all of the legislative requirements (national,
regional and municipal) regulating health and safety at all times.

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Additional requirements pertinent to the provision of student housing are listed below.
Certificates of compliance must be obtained from the relevant authority on an annual basis with
regard to the following services:
a. fire safety, prevention and detection mechanisms and procedures;

b. electricity and gas installations;

c. security staff, mechanisms and procedures;

d. in any building used to accommodate students, each student room as well as the building
itself must be secure;

e. internal monthly hygiene inspections of all University food preparation facilities,

communal self-catering facilities and areas, and ablution facilities should be carried out in
addition to annual municipal or equivalent hygiene audits. Audits entail a random
sampling of facilities;

f. all ablution areas must be cleaned at least once daily using cleaning industry standard
chemicals and products. Shower doors or curtains must be fitted to shower cubicles to
ensure privacy;

g. a certificate of compliance with occupational health and safety regulations, and an

evacuation diagram must be displayed on notice boards; and

h. universities must liaise with local enforcement agencies dealing with the safety of
students.

6. FURNISHINGS AND FITTINGS

 
The minimum furnishings and fittings required for each room type or area within a student
housing facility are detailed in the Room Specification Manual (see Annexure A). Furnishings
and fittings must be maintained in a sound and working order, and must be replaced as soon as
possible when broken beyond repair by the relevant University, landlord or agent. Appropriate,
fair and adequate mechanisms for determining responsibility for damage and/or breakage to
property must be established by the relevant authority at universities or landlord in the case of
private residences.

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7. CONSTRUCTION, REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

 
Any and all construction, repairs and maintenance to on-campus or off-campus accommodation
must comply at all times with all relevant legislation, and must be carried out by appropriately
qualified staff or contractors. The following additional requirements pertinent to the provision of
student housing are listed below:

a. in the case of new buildings and/or refurbishment of existing buildings whether funded
by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) or not, the DHET may
inspect such buildings after completion to satisfy itself that the buildings are fit-for-
purpose, provide value for money, and comply with relevant legislation;

b. reasonable response times for emergency, urgent and routine repairs should be
established after consultation with all stakeholders, and should be incorporated into a
service level agreement;

c. any construction, maintenance or repairs must be carried out with minimum disruption to
the academic programme and requirements of student residents, and with due regard for
their safety and security;

d. areas surrounding residence buildings must be kept clear of refuse and litter; and

e. where construction of a student residence is done through a Public Private Partnership,

universities are required to consult the DHET and obtain Ministerial approval before
proceeding with the project.

8. STUDENT WELL-BEING AND SUPPORT

 
The University student housing must provide for adequate provision for access to medical and
psychological services to cater for the well-being of student residents during work hours, and
must ensure that emergency support is available after hours. This includes the provision of a first
aid kit and instructions on the use thereof.

As part of the orientation process, the University must provide a list of accredited private student
housing providers to students who have not been allocated a place in the University owned
residence system.

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9. STUDENT HOUSING GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

9.1. Governance of student housing

Each Council must create a designated committee to govern residence life on behalf of the
Council of the University. The committee must be composed of equal numbers of University
staff and residential students, and must be chaired by a senior official of the University.
Membership of the committee must include University staff and student representatives from off-
campus student housing units housing ten or more students. The committee must meet quarterly,
and its minutes must be presented to Council.

9.2. Staffing levels

Residence staff to resident student ratios must be at least 1:150 in the case of wardens, house
parents, residence managers or the equivalent, and 1:100 in the case of student sub-wardens or
the equivalent. In addition, provision must also be made for dedicated administrative and
facilities management personnel responsible for student housing. Universities must provide a
breakdown of the staff responsible (structure) for residences in the university’s annual report.

9.3. Professional development of student housing staff

Training as stipulated by the University must be provided by both universities and private
housing providers to student housing staff at all levels. Such training must encompass at least
emergency procedures. The ongoing professional development of student housing staff must be
encouraged by both universities and private housing providers.

9.4. Policy, procedure and agreement

Universities must have clear and comprehensive documentation providing information about the
nature of the housing available, the fee or rental rates (indicating clearly what is included in the
rate as well as all terms and conditions), the rules and regulations, the management structure, the
complaints procedure, and maintenance/repairs requisition procedures.

9.5. Student discipline

Universities are responsible for the discipline of students in University-owned or University-

accredited rented housing. Suitable disciplinary codes and mechanisms must be developed and
published for implementation in university-owned residences. Providers of accredited private
student housing must consult and collaborate with their ‘feeder’ universities to establish agreed
upon disciplinary codes and mechanisms.

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9.6. Residence admissions and allocations policies

The Report indicated that in 2010 only 5.3% of new first year contact students were
accommodated in University residences. The most vulnerable group of students are first year
students. Therefore, all universities must develop strategies for increasing the percentage of
residence places available for new first year students to at least 30% of the total residence
capacity within ten years. In general, with respect to admission into and allocation of student
housing, all universities must:

a. develop and implement a comprehensive residence admissions and allocations policy.

The policy should be developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Accountability for the implementation of this policy should reside at senior management
level;

b. strictly manage, control and monitor the fair allocation of students to residences and
rooms in accordance with the approved residence admissions and allocations policy;

c. manage and administer waiting lists for residence vacancies in accordance with the
residence admissions and allocations policy;

d. develop plans, strategies and mechanisms to increase access to university residences by

poor, working class and rural students; and

e. develop sensitive support mechanisms for poor, working class and rural students which
empower and enable them to participate fully in the academic, social and cultural life of
the University.

10. FINANCIAL CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF STUDENT HOUSING

The following financial mechanisms and procedures must be implemented at all public
universities which provide student housing:

a. the residence budget and management accounts shall be separated completely from the
University budget and management accounts. The basis for future allocations on student
housing infrastructure will be determined in line with the extent to which the University
has met the above requirement;

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b. quarterly residence management accounts shall be submitted to the University Council

for scrutiny and evaluation;

c. the DHET will establish a standardised reporting framework for the presentation of the
annual residence financial reports;

d. the DHET may undertake annual site visits to inspect student residences operated by
universities; and

e. in relation to NSFAS housing funding restrictions, a recipient of NSFAS funding for

housing may only be allowed to ‘unbook’ a maximum of 30% of meals which may be
credited to the student’s accounts; in other words, 70% of the boarding/meal funding
component of the housing/accommodation grant must be used for meals.

11. COMPLIANCE WITH MINIMUM NORMS AND STANDARDS

a. The Department of Higher Education and Training is the custodian of this Policy, and
will provide a consultative, facilitative and supportive service to universities in assisting
them to attain their student housing targets and goals.

b. NSFAS-funded students may only be accommodated in housing which meets the

minimum norms and standards requirements set out in this Policy. Responsibility for
accrediting private student housing will be the responsibility of the ‘feeder’ University
through which the NSFAS funding allocation is made.

c. The level of compliance with student housing minimum norms and standards is to be
included in the univeristy’s annual report.

12. PHASING IN OF MINIMUM NORMS AND STANDARDS

a. The council of each public university must submit approved plans and strategies for the
phasing in of the minimum norms and standards in terms of its existing stock to the
Department by June 2016. The university must stipulate the extent to which it has
consulted with internal stakeholders on these plans. This is also applicable to off-campus
student housing owned by the university.

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b. Universities must comply with the governance and management standards elaborated in
section 9 by December 2017, with the exception of the staff (9.2) and first year
occupancy requirements (9.6), which may be phased in over 10 years.

c. In the case of existing university residence stock, a reasonable and fair period of time will
be allowed to bring existing stock to a minimum standard in terms of the contents of
rooms. Structural changes in terms of room sizes will not necessarily be required. What
will be considered a reasonable and fair time period will depend on the circumstances of
each individual university and be determined in consultation with the Department.

d. This Policy will apply in its entirety to any new planned residences, and while without
any legal (contractual) or substantial financial implications, a university can still change
the structure/plans/design of a residence to conform to this Policy when gazetted, the
necessary changes should be effected.

e. Due to the shortage of housing and the importance of partnering with private providers,
Universities will need to ensure that private housing meets the minimum norms and
standards of this Policy before entering into an agreement with any private provider.

f. In the case of existing university accredited private residences, universities must ensure
that these providers submit approved plans and strategies for the phasing in of the
minimum norms and standards in terms of its existing stock to the university by June
2016. Failing which such providers should be deaccredited, in line with the university’s
policy.

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ANNEXURE A: MINIMUM  NORMS  AND  STANDANDARDS  ROOM  SPECIFICATION  DATA  

 
1. Single  student  room  
2. Double  student  room  
3. Principal  Common  Room  
4. Minor  Common  Room  
5. Student  Study  Area  
6. Passages  
7. Utility  Area  
8. Foyer  
9. Guest  Toilet  
10. Kitchenettes  
11. Ablutions  
12. Laundry  
13. Cleaner’s  Store  
14. Box  rooms  
15. Linen  Room  
16. Water  heating  room  
17. Hub/IT  room  
18. Grounds  
19. Warden/Residence  Manager’s  Flat  
20. Warden/Residence  Manager’s  Office  
21. General  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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1. Single  student  room  

 
A. Room  Use:  Bedroom  
B. Area:  8m2  
C. Finishes:  
i. Walls:  Plaster,  painted  
ii. Floors:  Durable  lino/tiles/carpet  
iii. Ceiling:  Plastered  concrete  or  ceiling  board  
 
D. Fittings,  furniture  &  equipment  
i. Fitted/installed  by  contractor  
• CBD  joinery  
• Curtain  rail  (double  track)  
• Towel  rail  
• Mirror  
 
ii. Furniture  &  Fittings  
• Bed    
• Mattress  
• Study  table  
• Desk  chair  
• Book  shelf  
• Curtains  
• Study  lamp  (low  energy)  
• Pin  board  (mounted)  
• Wastepaper  bin  
• Bedside  table  
 
E. Services  
i. Mechanical  
• Wall  mounted  heater  
• Firefighting:  Hosereel  &  extinguisher  in  passage  
ii. Electrical  
• Lighting:  100  lux  
• 15  Amp  socket  (x2)  
 
iii. Communication  
• Network:  fibre-­‐optic  and/or  wireless  
 
F. Notes  
i. Bookshelf:  If  self-­‐catering  is  allowed,  the  bookshelf  must  have  a  
separate  section  to  make  provision  for  storage  of  2  small  pots  and  1  
pan.  

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ii. Cupboards:  Built-­‐in  cupboards  with  sufficient  hanging  space  and  shelf  
space.  A  separate  built-­‐in  cupboard  for  groceries  is  to  be  provided  if  
self-­‐catering  facilities  are  available.  
iii. Windows:  Bedroom  windows  on  ground  floor  and  other  vulnerable  
windows  must  be  fitted  with  burglar  bars.  
 
2. Double  student  room  
 
A. Room  Use:  Bedroom  
B. Area:  14m2  
C. Finishes:  
i. Walls:  Plaster,  painted  
ii. Floors:Durable  lino/tiles/carpet  
iii. Ceiling:  Plastered  concrete  or  ceiling  board  
 
D. Fittings,  furniture  &  equipment  
i. Fitted/installed  by  contractor  
• CBD  joinery  
• Curtain  rail  (double  track)  
• Towel  rail  (x2)  
• Mirror  (x2)  
• Privacy  partition/curtain  
 
ii. Furniture  &  Fittings  
• Bed  (x2)  
• Mattress  (x2)  
• Study  table  (x2)  
• Desk  Chair  (x2)  
• Book  shelf  (x2)  
• Curtains  
• Study  lamp  (low  energy)  (x2)  
• Pin  board  (mounted)  (x2)  
• Wastepaper  bin  (x2)  
• Bedside  table  (x2)  
 
E. Services  
i. Mechanical  
• Wall  mounted  heater  (x2)  
• Firefighting:  Hosereel  &  extinguisher  in  passage  
 
ii. Electrical  
• Lighting:  100  lux  (x2)  
• 15  Amp  socket  (x4)  
 
 
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iii. Communication  
• Network:  fibre-­‐optic  (x2)  and/or  wireless  
 
F. Notes  
i. Bookshelf:  If  self-­‐catering  is  allowed,  the  bookshelf  must  have  a  
separate  section  to  make  provision  for  storage  of  2  small  pots  
and  1  pan.  
ii. Cupboards:  Built-­‐in  cupboards  with  sufficient  hanging  space  
and  shelf  space.  A  separate  built-­‐in  cupboard  is  to  be  provided  
if  self-­‐catering  is  available.  
iii. Windows:  Bedroom  windows  on  ground  floor  and  other  
vulnerable  windows  must  be  fitted  with  burglar  bars.  
 
 
3. Common  Room  (Principal)  
 
A. Room  Use:  Recreation/meeting  
B. Area:  refer  to  section  4.2d  of  this  Policy  
C. Finishes:  
 
i.
Walls:  Plaster,  painted  
ii.
Floors:  Durable  lino/tiles/carpet  
iii.
Ceiling:  Plastered  concrete  or  ceiling  board  
 
D. Fittings,  furniture  &  equipment  
i. Fitted/installed  by  contractor  
• TV  shelf/bracket  
• Curtain  track  (double)  
• AV  equipment  cupboard  (theft  proofed)  
 
ii. Furniture  &  Fittings  
• Tub/easy  chairs  (1/2  bed  capacity)  
• Plastic  stacking  chairs  (1/4  bed  capacity)  
• Curtains  
• Rubbish  bin  (large)  
• DVD  player  
• TV  (theft-­‐proof  bracket)  
 
E. Services  
i. Mechanical  
• Wall  mounted  heater  (x2)  
• Firefighting:  Hosereel  &  extinguisher  in  passage  
• Smoke  detector  
 
ii. Electrical  

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Lighting:  200  lux  (x2)  

•
15  Amp  socket  (x4)  
•
 
iii. Communication  
• Network:  fibre-­‐optic  (x2)  and/or  wireless  
 
F. Notes  
i. Windows:    Windows  on  ground  floor  and  other  vulnerable  
windows  must  be  fitted  with  burglar  bars.  
 
 
4. Common  Room  (Minor)  
 
A. Room  Use:  Recreation/meeting  
B. Area:  at  least  9m2  
C. Finishes:  
i. Walls:  Plaster,  painted  
ii. Floors:Durable  lino/tiles/carpet  
iii. Ceiling:  Plastered  concrete  or  ceiling  board  
 
D. Fittings,  furniture  &  equipment  
i. Fitted/installed  by  contractor  
• TV  shelf/bracket  
• Curtain  track  (double)  
• AV  equipment  cupboard  (theft  proofed)  
 
ii. Furniture  &  Fittings  
• Tub/easy  chairs  (1/4  bed  capacity)  
• Curtains  
• Rubbish  bin  (large)  
• DVD  player  
• TV  (theft-­‐proof  bracket)  
 
E. Services  
i. Mechanical  
• Wall  mounted  heater  (x2)  
• Firefighting:  Hosereel  &  extinguisher  in  passage  
• Smoke  detector  
 
ii. Electrical  
• Lighting:  200  lux  (x2)  
• 15  Amp  socket  (x4)  
 
iii. Communication  
• Network:  fibre-­‐optic  (x2)  and/or  wireless  

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F. Notes  
i. Windows:    Windows  on  ground  floor  and  other  vulnerable  windows  must  
be  fitted  with  burglar  bars.  
ii. Additional  security:  This  smaller  common  room  should  be  made  secure  
(security  gates  &  burglar  guards)  so  that  it  can  be  used  as  a  storage/box  
room  during  vacations.  
 
5. Student  Study  Area  
 
A. Room  Use:  Student  study  area  
B. Area:  0,1m2  per  bed  capacity  
C. Finishes:  
i. Walls:  Plaster,  painted  
ii. Floors:Durable  lino/tiles/carpet  
iii. Ceiling:  Plastered  concrete  or  ceiling  board  
 
D. Fittings,  furniture  &  equipment  
i. Fitted/installed  by  contractor  
• Curtain  track  (double)  
• Whiteboard  
 
ii. Furniture  &  Fittings  
• Study  tables  
• Desk  chairs  
   
E. Services  
i. Mechanical  
• Wall  mounted  heater  
• Firefighting:  Hosereel  &  extinguisher  in  passage  
• Smoke  detector  
 
ii. Electrical  
• Lighting:  500  lux  
• 15  Amp  socket  (x4)  
 
iii. Communication  
• Network:  fibre-­‐optic  (x2)  and/or  wireless  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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6. Passages  
 
A. Use:  Passage  
B. Area:  As  per  design  
C. Finishes:  
 
i. Walls:  Plaster,  painted  
ii. Floors:  Durable  lino/tiles/carpet  
iii. Ceiling:  Plastered  concrete  or  ceiling  board  
 
D. Fittings,  furniture  &  equipment  
 
i. Fitted/installed  by  contractor  
• Statutory  fire  equipment  &  signage  (exit  &  fire)  
 
ii. Furniture  &  Fittings  
• Noticeboards  (where  applicable)  
 
E. Services  
i. Mechanical  
• Firefighting:  Hosereel  &  extinguisher  in  passage  
• Smoke  detector  
 
ii. Electrical  
• Lighting:  100  lux  
• 15  Amp  socket  (x2)  
 
iii. Communication  
• Intercom  system  linked  to  front  entrance  
 
F. Notes  
i. Passage  lights  on  time-­‐delay  motion  sensor  switch  
 
 
7. Utility  Area  
 
A. Room  Use:  General  Utility  Area  
B. Area:  As  per  design  
C. Finishes:  
 
i. Walls:  Plaster,  painted  
ii. Floors:Durable  lino/tiles/carpet  
iii. Ceiling:  Plastered  concrete  or  ceiling  board  
 
 

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D. Fittings,  furniture  &  equipment  

i. Fitted/installed  by  contractor  
• CBD  joinery  
 
ii. Furniture  &  Fittings  
• Waste  bins  (x3)  
• Fridge  (1  per  floor)  
• Vacuum  cleaner  
• Broom  
• Dustpan  &  handbrush  
   
E. Services  
ii. Mechanical  
• Firefighting:  Hosereel  &  extinguisher  in  passage  
• Smoke  detector  
 
iii. Electrical  
• General  
• 15  Amp  socket    
 
 
8. Foyer  
 
A. Room  Use:  Entrance  
B. Area:  As  per  design  
C. Finishes:  
 
i. Walls:  Plaster,  painted  
ii. Floors:  Durable  lino/tiles/carpet  
iii. Ceiling:  Plastered  concrete  or  ceiling  board  
 
D. Fittings,  furniture  &  equipment  
 
i. Fitted/installed  by  contractor  
• Recessed  floor  mats  
• Statutory  fire  equipment  &  signage  (exit  &  fire)  
 
ii. Furniture  &  Fittings  
• Noticeboards  (where  applicable)  
• Rubbish  bin  
• Table  
 
E. Services  
i. Mechanical/Security  
• Firefighting:  Hosereel  &  extinguisher  in  passage  

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24   No. 39238 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEPTEMBER 2015

• Smoke  detector  
• CCTV  
• Biometric  access  control  
• Door  alarm  
• Fire  alarm  control  box  
 
ii. Electrical  
• Lighting:  200  lux  
• 15  Amp  socket    
 
iii. Communication  
• Intercom  system  linked  to  each  passage  
 
F. Notes  
i. Biometric  access  control  system,  magnetic  locks  and  door  alarm  to  be  
integrated  in  door  design/installation.  Access  control  to  be  easily  
accessible  to  wheelchairs.    
 
 
9. Guest  toilet  
 
A. Use:  Passage  
B. Area:  2  ASM  
C. Finishes:  
i. Walls:  Plaster,  painted  
ii. Floors:  Durable  lino/tiles/carpet  
iii. Ceiling:  Plastered  concrete  or  ceiling  board  
 
D. Fittings,  furniture  &  equipment  
i. Fitted/installed  by  contractor  
• Statutory  fire  equipment  &  signage  (exit  &  fire)  
 
ii. Furniture  &  Fittings  
• Noticeboards  (where  applicable)  
 
E. Services  
i. Mechanical  
• Firefighting:  Hosereel  &  extinguisher  in  passage  
• Smoke  detector  
 
ii. Electrical  
• Lighting:  100  lux  
• 15  Amp  socket  (x2)  
 
iii. Communication  

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 STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEPTEMBER 2015 No. 39238   25

• Intercom  system  linked  to  front  entrance  

 
F. Notes  
i. Passage  lights  on  time-­‐delay  motion  sensor  switch  
 
 
10.  Kitchenettes  in  non-­‐self-­‐catering  student  housing  
NB:  These  specifications  are  for  kitchenettes  in  residences  where  catering  is  provided  
to   the   student   residents   and   must   not   be   used   for   self-­‐catering   residences.   Food  
preparation  area  specifications  for  self-­‐catering  residences  are  to  be  found  in  section  
4.2  e  of  this  Policy.    
 
A. Use:  Kitchen  
B. Area:  8.2  ASM  
C. Finishes:  
i. Walls:  Plaster,  painted  
ii. Floors:  Durable  lino/tiles  
iii. Ceiling:  Plastered  concrete  or  ceiling  board  
 
D. Fittings,  furniture  &  equipment  
i. Fitted/installed  by  contractor  
• Single  bowl  sink  with  drain  
• Counter  top  with  2  door  cupboard  beneath  
• Towel  rail  
• Fire  extinguisher  
 
ii. Furniture  &  Fittings  
• Fridge  325l  
• Microwave  26l  
• Flip  top  bin  large  
• Urn  20l  
 
E. Services  
i. Mechanical  
• Firefighting:  Hosereel  &  extinguisher  in  passage  
• Smoke  detector  
 
ii. Electrical  
• Lighting:  200  lux  
• 15  Amp  socket  (x2)  
 
F. Notes  
i. Lights  on  time-­‐delay  motion  sensor  switch  
ii. Hatch  to  large  common  room.  
 

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11.  Ablutions  
 
A. Use:  Ablution  facilities  
B. Area:  Size  driven  by  ratios  below  
 
C. Finishes:  
 
i.
Walls:  Tiles  to  ceiling  
ii.
Floors:  Non-­‐slip  tiles  
iii.
Ceiling:  Plastered  concrete  or  ceiling  board  
 
D. Fittings,  furniture  &  equipment  
i. Fitted/installed  by  contractor  
• Shower  rail       2/shower  
• Wash  basin       1/4  students  
• Shower  cubicle     1/7  students  
• Robe  hook  per  cubicle   1/cubicle  
• Mirror  300x400     1/wash  basin  
• Soap  dish       1/cubicle  
 
ii. Furniture  &  Fittings  
• Shower  curtains     2/cubicle  
 
E. Services  
i. Mechanical  
• Mechanical  extract  
 
ii. Electrical  
• Lighting:  200  lux  
• 15  Amp  socket  
 
F. Notes  
i. Lights  on  time-­‐delay  motion  sensor  switch  
ii. Fall  from  door  to  showers  
iii. Ablution  per  passage  
iv. Paraplegic  toilet/shower  in  ablution  at  entry  wing  
v. Shower  cubicle  to  have  dry/wet  zone  
 
 
12. Laundry  
 
A. Room  Use:  Laundry  1/40  students  
B. Finishes:  
i. Walls:  Plaster,  painted  

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ii. Floors:  Durable  lino/tiles  

iii. Ceiling:  Plastered  concrete  or  ceiling  board  
 
C. Fittings,  furniture  &  equipment  
i. Fitted/installed  by  contractor  
• Double  trough  
• Fixed  ironing  board  
• Shelving  300x1500  
 
ii. Furniture  &  Fittings  
• Industrial  tumble  dryer  1/25  students  
• Industrial  washing  machine  1/25  students  
• Clothes  horse  
 
D. Services  
i. Mechanical  
• Mechnical  extract  
 
ii. Electrical  
• Lighting:  200  lux  
• 15  Amp  socket  (x2  double)  
 
E. Notes  
i. Lights  on  time-­‐delay  motion  sensor  switch  
ii. Floor  tiles  laid  to  fall  with  floor  drain  
iii. Dryer  Direct  Expel  through  outer  wall  
iv. Preferably  one  laundry  per  floor  
v. Window  on  external  wall  preferable  
vi. Sufficient  power  points  for  washing  machines,  tumble  dryers  &  student  
iron  
 
13. Cleaner’s  store  
 
A. Room  Use:  Cleaner’s  store  
B. Area:  2  ASM  
C. Finishes:  
i. Walls:  Plaster,  painted  
ii. Floors:  Durable  lino/tiles  
iii. Ceiling:  Plastered  concrete  or  ceiling  board  
 
D. Fittings,  furniture  &  equipment  
i. Fitted/installed  by  contractor  
• Shelves  300x1000  (x3)  
E. Services  
i. Electrical  

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28   No. 39238 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEPTEMBER 2015

• Lighting:  160  lux  

• 15  Amp  socket    
 
F. Notes  
i. One  cleaner’s  cupboard  per  cleaner  
ii. No  service  ducts  to  pass  through  room  
 
 
14.  Box  room  
 
A. Room  Use:  Storage  
B. Area:  ASM  0.15  m2/student  
C. Finishes:  
i. Walls:  Plaster,  painted  
ii. Floors:  Durable  lino/tiles  
iii. Ceiling:  Plastered  concrete  or  ceiling  board  
 
D. Fittings,  furniture  &  equipment  
i. Fitted/installed  by  contractor  
• Slatted  shelving  (3  rows)  
• Security  gate    
 
ii. Furniture  &  Fittings  
• Noticeboards  (where  applicable)  
 
E. Services  
i. Mechanical  
• Firefighting:  Hosereel  &  extinguisher  in  passage  
 
ii. Electrical  
• Lighting:  200  lux  
• 15  Amp  socket  
 
F. Notes  
i. Small  common  room  doubles  as  a  box  room  during  vacations.  
ii. Solid  door  
iii. 1  trunk  per  student  
iv. Ventilation  louvre  
v. Air  bricks  
vi. Burglar  bars  on  window;  but  preferably  no  window  
 
 
15.  Linen  room  (if  applicable)  
 
A. Room  Use:  Linen  storage  

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B. Area:  ASM  0.15m2/student  

C. Finishes:  
i. Walls:  Plaster,  painted  
ii. Floors:  Durable  lino/tiles  
iii. Ceiling:  Plastered  concrete  or  ceiling  board  
 
D. Fittings,  furniture  &  equipment  
i. Fitted/installed  by  contractor  
• Slatted  shelving  
 
E. Services  
i. Mechanical  
• Firefighting:  Hosereel  &  extinguisher  in  passage  
• Smoke  detector  
 
ii. Electrical  
• Lighting:  200  lux  
• 15  Amp  socket    
 
F. Notes  
i. Adequate  space  for  laundry  collection  &  distribution  
ii. Adequate  ventilation  
iii. Ventilation  louver  
iv. Air  bricks  
v. Stable  door  with  service  flap  
 
 
16. Water  heating  room  
 
A. Room  Use:  Water  heating  
B. Area:  ASM  0.12m2/student  
C. Finishes:  
i. Walls:  Plaster,  painted  
ii. Floors:  Screed  
iii. Ceiling:  Plastered  concrete  or  ceiling  board  
 
D. Fittings,  furniture  &  equipment  
i. Fitted/installed  by  contractor  
• Preferably  heat  pumps  with  boiler  backup.  
 
E. Services  
i. Mechanical  
• Adequate  water  supply  
• Fire  extinguisher  
 

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30   No. 39238 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEPTEMBER 2015

ii. Electrical  
• Lighting:  200  lux  
• 15  Amp  socket  (x2)  
 
F. Notes  
i. Low  energy  heating  units  to  be  explored  
 
 
17. Hub/IT  room  (if    
 
A. Room  Use:  IT  equiment  space  
B. Area:  ASM  0.03m2/student  
C. Finishes:  
i. Walls:  Plaster,  painted  
ii. Floors:  Durable  lino/tiles  
iii. Ceiling:  Plastered  concrete  or  ceiling  board  
 
D. Fittings,  furniture  &  equipment  
i. Fitted/installed  by  contractor  
• Equipment  as  per  IT&S  Division  specifications  
 
E. Services  
iii. Mechanical  
• Firefighting:  Hosereel  &  extinguisher  in  passage  
• Smoke  detector  
 
iv. Electrical  
• Lighting:  250  lux  
• 15  Amp  socket  (x3)  
 
F. Notes  
i. Adequate  ventilation  –  riser  duct  to  roof  space  
ii. Reinforced  louvre  in  door  
 
18. Grounds  
 
A. Use:  Recreation  &  access  
B. Area:  Reasonable  space  for  social  and  recreation  purposes  
C. Fittings,  furniture  &  equipment  
i. Fitted/installed  by  contractor  
ii. Furniture  &  Fittings  
 
D. Services  
i. Mechanical  
• Garden  tap  

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• Fire  Hydrants  
ii. Electrical  
• Security  and  accent  lighting  
• 15  Amp  socket  (x2)  
 
E. Notes  
i. Landscaping  should  include  a  flat  lawned  area  sufficient  for  a  volleyball  
court  
ii. Parking  provision  –  1bay/20  students  
iii. Service  vehicles  access  to  front  door  should  be  no  greater  than  20m  
 
 
19. Warden/residence  manager’s  flat  
 
A. Facility  Use:  Accommodation  for  warden/res  manager  and  family  
B. Area:  2/3  bedroomed  flat  which  includes  lounge/dining  room,  kitchen,  
bathroom  and  guest  bathroom/toilet.  
C. Finishes:  
i. Walls:  Plaster,  painted  
ii. Floors:  Durable  lino/tiles  
iii. Ceiling:  Plastered  concrete  or  ceiling  board  
 
D. Fittings,  furniture  &  equipment  
i. Fitted/installed  by  contractor  
• Determined  by  each  institution  
 
ii. Furniture  &  Fittings  
• Determined  by  each  institution  
 
E. Services  
i. Mechanical  
• Firefighting:  Hosereel  &  extinguisher  in  passage  
• Smoke  detector  
ii. Electrical  
• Lighting:  min  100  lux  per  room  
• Sufficient  15  Amp  sockets  per  room  
iii. Communication  
• External  line  telephone  
• Wireless  and/or  fibre  optic  network  access  
 
F. Notes  
i. Separate  200l  geyser  (NOT  supplied  from  residence)  
ii. Lock  up  garage  adjacent  to  flat  
iii. Small  enclosed  garden  where  possible  with  drying  yard  &  clothes-­‐line  
 

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20. Warden/Residence  Manager’s  office  

 
A. Room  Use:  Study/office  
B. Area:  Sufficient  to  interview  2/3  students  simultaneously  
C. Finishes:  
i. Walls:  Plaster,  painted  
ii. Floors:  Durable  lino/tiles  
iii. Ceiling:  Plastered  concrete  or  ceiling  board  
 
D. Fittings,  furniture  &  equipment  
iii. Fitted/installed  by  contractor  
• Door  bell  
• Double  curtain  rail  
iv. Furniture  &  Fittings  
• Curtains/blinds  
• Office  desk  
• Office  chair  
• Filing  cabinet  
• Visitors  chairs  (x2)  
• Wall  safe  
• First  Aid  box  
• Door  pin  board  
• Wall  pin  board  
• Bookcase  (3  tier)  
 
E. Services  
i. Mechanical  
• Firefighting:  Hosereel  &  extinguisher  in  passage  
• Smoke  detector  
ii. Electrical  
• Lighting:  200  lux  
• 15  Amp  socket  (x2)  
iii. Communication  
• Telephone  extension  
• Wireless  and/or  fibre-­‐optic  network  connection  
 
21. General  
a. Residence  name  to  be  prominently  located  at  front  entrance  
b. Statutory  safety  signage  to  be  fitted  throughout  
c. One  fridge  per  floor,  but  not  less  than  one  fridge/30  students  (catering  
provided)  
d. Front  entrance  and  facilities  to  be  wheelchair  accessible  
e. Adequate  fire  alarm  system  to  be  fitted  
f. Fire  safety  doors  to  be  fitted  to  all  fire  escapes  
g. Rain  water  tanks  should  be  provided  in  easily  accessible  places.  
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