A coalition of University of Johannesburg students has mobilized outside campus and broadcast facilities to challenge mandatory supplementary fees imposed by Thrive Student Living Properties, despite the residences carrying official NSFAS accreditation.
The demonstrators, many of whom rely entirely on state financial aid, contend that the additional monthly charges lack justification. “The top-up that is paying I think that it is exorbitantly unnecessary for the experience that we get and the subpar expenditures that they say that they have,” explained one long-term resident.
Protesters highlighted a marked decline in services. One student, residing at the property since 2024, noted that cleaning personnel have been significantly reduced. “This year, there are three members that clean the whole building. There are 26 rooms per floor and there are four floors in my specific building and only three people clean those rooms,” they reported.
Concerns over habitability featured prominently in the demonstration. Residents described persistent mold infestations affecting personal belongings, with photographic evidence cited of footwear damaged by damp conditions. Heating systems reportedly remain non-operational during the winter season. “Heaters are not working right now and it’s cold. It’s winter,” a protester stated.
The students’ unified demands include:
- Full reimbursement of top-up fees paid for both shared and single-room accommodations
- Restoration of all previously accessible amenities and sign-in privileges
- Immediate remediation of mold, heating failures, and structural maintenance issues
- Permanent discontinuation of mandatory monthly surcharges
Former occupants have lent support to the campaign, raising questions about regulatory oversight. “You cannot say that you are an NSFAS accredited building and you still go against the law of NSFAS,” asserted one alumnus of the residence. “You must lose your accreditation with immediate effect.”
Student organizers stressed that the situation reflects a broader pattern within private student housing. They recalled that comparable top-up structures were successfully eliminated following student-led negotiations in prior academic cycles. “Even last year this issue was raised and they managed to scrap top-ups,” noted a campus activist. “We are shocked that management now appears compliant in this issue, even telling students ‘if you can’t pay this top-up, just leave.'”
Leaders emphasized that geographic constraints limit student options. “Our students want accommodations that are closer to campuses and those are the only alternative accommodations that we have,” one representative explained, referencing the Auckland Park vicinity.
Organizers indicated that escalated measures may follow should their grievances remain unaddressed. Multiple attempts to obtain a response from Thrive Student Living Properties were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.