Urban renewal in the East London CBD is set to get a boost as the University of Fort Hare has confirmed plans to build a new multimillion-rand student life centre, with construction set to commence in November.
Funded by the department of higher education and training (DHET), the state-of-the-art facility will be built opposite the Miriam Makeba Centre of Performing Arts.
There is a problem which the metro has committed to sorting out — the site is occupied by an informal settlement.
The new centre is set to become a landmark mixed-use hub, integrating academic, recreational and commercial spaces to enhance student life while driving urban renewal in the city.
“This is not just an investment in infrastructure to stimulate the East London economy, but a bold step towards an inclusive and student-centred urban campus,” UFH infrastructure and technology director Thembakazi Ngxabani said.
“We are confident the project will have a lasting effect, both within the university and the wider East London community.”
Higher education acting chief director for communications Lucky Masuku said R70m had been allocated for the project, with the department contributing R63m and UFH R7m.
“[The department’s] objective in any infrastructure projects within our public universities and TVET colleges is to achieve immediate project-specific ends, such as adding more seats in lecture theatres, more work stations in laboratories and computer rooms, and more beds in residences,” Masuku said.
“[This] undoubtedly eases pressure from increasing student numbers on existing university space, venues, staff and resources.”
The department monitored all infrastructure-funded projects at public institutions monthly, usually accompanied by biannual site visits
UFH spokesperson JP Roodt said the development formed part of UFH’s “Decade of Renewal” strategy, aimed at positioning the institution as a driver of spatial transformation, economic stimulation and social upliftment in Buffalo City.
“Once completed, the centre will provide a much-needed communal hub for students and staff at UFH’s urban satellite campus, which currently lacks dedicated gathering spaces,” he said.
The centre would feature a multipurpose hall for graduations, community events and civic functions, as well as indoor sports and recreational facilities.
“Retail spaces, cafes, print services and convenience outlets will also be included, along with flexible venues for conferences, workshops and public engagement programmes.”
The project, designed by MDA Architects, was approved by the university’s management executive committee in December 2024, and is now in the bid documentation phase.
Tender advertisements are expected later in August on the UFH website, and the project should be completed by April 2027.
“As the anchor development in phase one of UFH’s spatial development framework, the centre is expected to attract further investment, create public-private partnerships, and stimulate regeneration in a historically underserved part of the city,” Roodt said.
“However, before construction can begin, the university must address the relocation of an informal settlement occupying the site.
“A survey conducted by a specialist NGO in November 2024 identified 89 households, comprising 128 individuals, living on the land.”
The residents said they were willing to move if a nearby suitable alternative site could be provided.
The Buffalo City Metro has pledged its support for the relocation.
The development has been in planning for more than 18 months, with extensive consultation between UFH, municipal officials and external partners.
“This is an opportunity to create not only a facility for students but a catalyst for urban change in East London,” Ngxabani said.
Ward councillor Funeka Wolose confirmed the existing residents had agreed to be moved, as the site they occupied belonged to the university.
“I inspected the site with UFH, and informed BCM about the matter. The mayor said she would assign someone to sort out the residents’ issue.”
Wolose said the residents were initially allocated temporary houses in Reeston, but when they arrived they found they were already occupied.
“We are now waiting for an alternative for them.”
BCM spokesperson Bongani Fuzile said the metro was set to discuss the matter with the Buffalo City Municipality Development Agency to find a solution.
“At this juncture BCM cannot comment, but BCM officials will be liaising with the development agency at a meeting on Wednesday on this issue.
“We confirm there are illegal squatters in the area but can’t comment further [at this stage].”
Daily Dispatch
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