WATCH |“ We make a tremendous economic contribution” – Landlords

Staff reporter

Bloemfontein – The chairperson of the Multi-Let Owners Association, Gert van der Merwe, representing more than 320 landlords, has defended the sector’s widespread non-compliance and squarely placed the blame on the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.

Van der Merwe claims the wheels came off for many property owners when Covid-19 hit, plunging the student accommodation sector into crisis.

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According to Van der Merwe, landlords collectively inject an estimated R4.2 billion into Bloemfontein’s economy annually, with approximately R800 million linked directly to student accommodation.

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Another landlord, Busi Ntsele, argued that it is unfair to paint all multi-let owners with the same brush, insisting that many are attempting to comply despite what she describes as a broken municipal system.

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In closing, Van der Merwe presented a five-point plan, which he says is aimed at bringing all stakeholders to the table in search of common ground and practical solutions.

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Now that tertiary institutions have reopened, this publication will seek a right of reply from the University of the Free State, Student Representative Council (SRC), and the NSFAS.

The Mangaung Metro has opted not to comment. This, however, does not prevent the story from being published.

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