Private Student Housing Association (PSHA)

The PSHA is a Non-Profit Company incorporated for a public benefit in terms of the Companies Act of South Africa. Members include investors/owners, operators/managers and developer “Stakeholders”) of student accommodation. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION The Association is aimed at facilitating and enabling a supportive environment to realise the vision of sustainable, affordable and quality student accommodation throughout South Africa, via the following strategic objectives: (a) Advocacy, lobbying and maintaining strategic relationships with key stakeholders, such as tertiary institutions, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), National Treasury and municipalities. (b) Amendments to the Norms & Standards policy with DHET also allowing flexibility per tertiary institution. (c) A transparent accreditation process for tertiary institution; and standardised across institutions, as far as possible. (d) Progressive tax incentives that improve student affordability, such as VAT, Urban Development Zone tax incentive and municipal charges. (e) A streamlined NSFAS and intermediary (e.g. sBux and FUNDI) payment approach. (f) A standard accommodation grading system agreed to by all stakeholders aligned to the accreditation policies. (g) Improving accountability of PSHA members to uphold standards and sustaining the image and perceptions of the industry. (h) Providing member access to industry research, good practice & data via the Association’s website. (i) Enabling training and development offerings for PSHA members via a partnership with the South African Chapter of the Association of Colleges and University Housing Officers (ACUHO-I SAC). (j) Provide a vehicle for members to raise matters of importance for industry discussion and resolution.