Tertiary education remains a key pillar for numerous individuals pursuing their dreams and building sustainable futures. For many students, this pursuit leads them to residential areas like Barry Hertzog Park, where communal homes near college campuses provide affordable lodging. However, these homes have become a growing source of tension for long-time residents in the suburb.
This comes as reports have surfaced that in some communal homes, there are up to 30 people residing under one roof.
The increased population density has led to students frequently socialising and gathering in the streets, while the added strain on local infrastructure has left many residents questioning whether the Newcastle Municipality is adequately monitoring the proliferation and impact of these communal properties.
One long-time resident, who requested anonymity due to concerns about retaliation from students, shared the challenges faced since the arrival of a communal home directly behind her property on Tielman Roos Lane.
“There is a communal home on Tielman Roos Lane which is right behind my house. The students make so much noise at night that it is truly annoying. But, the biggest issue I have faced is the continuous sewage leaks that come into my yard because of the communal home. In the past two years, the Municipality has come out at least three times to fix a burst sewage pipe. While the sewage is disgusting, my family and I have noted that whenever the Municipality comes to repair the issue, there are always items such as sanitary pads floating into my yard along with the sewage, which is unacceptable. I really do not think the infrastructure can handle all those people living in the one house as I counted at least 20 people in the home behind mine, and I know other residents are facing similar challenges. Behind my neighbour’s home is another communal home, and my neighbour and I counted about 30 people there,” expressed the frustrated resident.
Echoing these sentiments, another resident noted the effect that communal homes have had on property values in the area. “I would like to know if the Municipality actually knows how many communal homes there are and the impact they have on those who have been living in the area for years,” said the concerned resident.
Responding to these pressing concerns, Newcastle Municipality Spokesperson, Mthandeni Myende, confirmed that communal homes in Newcastle have presented significant challenges for the Municipality. He shared that the Municipality is aware of the high number of communal homes, particularly those located in close proximity to Majuba TVET College campuses, and has put measures in place to regulate them. “The Municipality has experienced challenges when it relates to communal homes in Newcastle, which led to the development of the policy on the establishment of communal housing (Residential Communes),” Myende stated, acknowledging the impact that these properties are having on the local community.
Addressing reports of up to 30 residents occupying a single communal property, Myende explained that this level of overcrowding violates municipal regulations. “According to the policy, each communal home may accommodate a maximum of 12 people, provided the site size does not exceed 1 800m² in extent. Where a property is in excess of 1 800m², more people may be considered through the Municipality’s Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) Bylaws. It should be noted that, when the Municipality comes across an overcrowded communal home through inspections or when such is reported to the Municipality, action is taken in terms of the Bylaws. This is done on an ad-hoc basis, as and when it is necessary,” he explained.
Additionally, Myende added that the Municipality conducts enforcement operations regularly to curb violations in affected areas.
“Furthermore, through the cooperation of Ward Councillors, Ward Committees, and the general public, the Municipality receives reports on a regular basis and such transgressions are then dealt with as per the existing Policy and Bylaws as and when it is necessary to do so,” Myende emphasised.
On the issue of infrastructure, Myende clarified that the Municipality is mindful of the impact that communal homes may have on local services. He explained that each application for a communal home undergoes rigorous review by various municipal departments, including Technical Services, to ensure that existing infrastructure can accommodate any additional demand.
“When applications for these communal homes are considered by the Municipality, they are scrutinised by all service departments within the Municipality, which includes Technical Services; this is where potential impacts are considered against the capacity of the available infrastructure prior to any decisions being taken. Therefore, to this end, all legal communal homes have been evaluated and approved, considering that the existing infrastructure still has the capacity to handle the load. When these communal homes exceed the authorised number, it has a cumulative effect on the infrastructure,” Myende elaborated. He urged residents to report any instances of overcrowded homes, which would allow the Municipality to take necessary action under its bylaws.
Myende also addressed concerns about the effect of communal homes on local property values, noting that, contrary to some residents’ concerns, demand for communal housing typically drives property prices upwards in the area.
“Generally, where there is demand for communal homes, property values of neighbouring properties tend to increase in value due to the demand. However, one need not to lose sight of the social impact that comes with communal homes, as they come with increased population or higher densities. Notwithstanding the above, it is crucial to understand that property prices are determined or dictated by the market movement for that particular market segment,” Myende elaborated.
With reassurances from Newcastle Municipality that ongoing efforts are being made to monitor communal homes and address related challenges, residents are encouraged to continue voicing their concerns to ensure a balanced community environment. With this in mind, what are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 2
This is a constant battle for many years, the problem is that the home owners rent their homes out to tenants in turn the tenants see this as an opportunity to sublet the house to the students on average they charge 300-400 per student( on 300 per student that gives 9000 if you take in 30 students) the students are subdised by the government so that covers rent and food. I say Majuba collage should consider building proper student accommodation, if all other collages and universities can have student accommodation then why can’t Majuba Collage do the same. Many vacant buildings can be converted into accommodation, take what Ferrum High School did they converted a Church into a school hostel. As it is there is a massive Church up for sale in Ncundu Park Majuba collage has funds available to purchase the Church and convert into a hostel, ample space to add an extra building if needed. Have rules employ a house guardian who can enforce rules, have disciplined students not ones who will be disturbing other residents. Each student can have space to study, heck have a small library available on the premises. Make the students comfortable, it’s really not that difficult for Majuba Collage to do something for their students.
We stay in groblerstreet our bills is high streets are dirty we chase so manny cars away because they park in front of our gates waiting for girls I send pics to Mr Ndlovu but nothing he is the ward councilor plz we need peace