Building the Future of
Student Accommodation
in South Africa
Overview
The Private Student Housing Association is an industry association representing responsible participants in the private student accommodation sector.
Our members include student accommodation owners, operators, developers, investors, financial institutions, service providers and other organisations contributing to the delivery of quality student housing.
PSHA was established to promote a sustainable, professional and well-regulated private student housing market. The Association provides a platform through which members can engage collectively on policy, investment, operational and regulatory matters affecting the sector.
Private student accommodation plays an essential role in addressing the shortage of suitable accommodation within South Africa’s post-school education and training system. PSHA therefore works with government departments, public entities, universities, TVET colleges, student organisations, investors and industry bodies to support the development of an accommodation system that is accessible, financially sustainable and centred on student wellbeing and academic success.
Who We Are
The Association promotes ethical conduct, responsible investment, appropriate quality standards and transparent engagement between accommodation providers, students, institutions and government.
PSHA is committed to building a student housing sector that:
- expands access to safe and quality accommodation;
- supports student wellbeing and academic success;
- enables sustainable private-sector investment;
- promotes transparent and predictable regulation;
- strengthens cooperation between the public and private sectors; and
- contributes to the transformation and development of the post-school education and training system.
Our Story
PSHA was formed to create a unified voice for the private student accommodation sector in South Africa.
The Private Student Housing Association (PSHA) was established with a shared vision – to create a stronger, more sustainable future for private student accommodation in South Africa.
As the demand for quality student housing continues to grow, so does the need for collaboration, innovation, and industry leadership. PSHA was formed to bring together accommodation providers, stakeholders, institutions, and industry partners under one unified voice committed to advancing the sector responsibly and sustainably.
From the beginning, our focus has been clear: to support the development of safe, affordable, and student-centred accommodation solutions that positively impact both students and the broader education ecosystem.
Establishing a Collective Industry Voice
Private student accommodation providers began building a coordinated platform to respond to the growing need for structured engagement, appropriate regulation and sustainable investment in student housing.
Sector Coordination During a Period of Disruption
The Association supported members through a period of significant operational and financial uncertainty and strengthened engagement with institutions and public-sector stakeholders.
Expanding Policy and Stakeholder Engagement
PSHA increased its participation in sector discussions relating to student accommodation funding, accreditation, institutional partnerships and the role of private providers.
Strengthening Industry Representation
The Association expanded its membership base and continued developing a more unified industry position on policy, quality standards and sector sustainability.
Advancing Research and Evidence-Based Advocacy
PSHA supported research into the operational costs and financial realities of delivering compliant student accommodation.
Adoption of a New Strategic Direction
The Association strengthened its organisational capacity, governance arrangements and strategic focus on policy influence, research, member services and stakeholder partnerships.
Building an Investment and Policy Reform Agenda
PSHA deepened its engagement with government, universities, investors, development finance institutions and student organisations on the future of student housing.
Towards a Sustainable Student Housing Market
PSHA continues to advocate for predictable funding, transparent regulation, consistent quality standards and an independent, coordinated institutional framework for student accommodation.
Governance and Leadership
PSHA is governed in accordance with its Memorandum of Incorporation, Constitution and approved governance policies.
The Board provides strategic leadership and oversight, while management is responsible for implementing the Association’s strategy, supporting members and coordinating engagements with stakeholders.
The Association’s governance framework promotes accountability, transparency, ethical leadership, responsible financial management and the effective representation of members.
Kagisho Mamabolo
Chief Executive Officer and Secretary to the Board of PSHA.
Kagisho Mamabolo is the Chief Executive Officer of the Private Student Housing Association. He has extensive experience in higher education, public administration, stakeholder relations, corporate services, strategic programmes and policy communication. Before joining PSHA, he held several senior and executive positions within the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and previously served in the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. He served as a Board Member of the Association of African Higher Education Financing Agencies (AAHEFA), in Tanzania, for 5 years as a representative of NSFAS and South Africa. As Chief Executive Officer, he is responsible for implementing PSHA’s strategy, strengthening member services, coordinating policy advocacy and building relationships with government, institutions, investors, student organisations and other sector stakeholders. He holds a BA Communications and Honours in Media Students from the University of Limpopo
Kagisho Mamabolo
Chief Executive Officer and Secretary to the Board of PSHA.
Ndumiso Davidson
Chairman of PSHA and CEO of Student Living Asset Management(SLAM)
Ndumiso Davidson is the Chairperson of the PSHA Board. He provides strategic leadership to the Board and supports the Association’s efforts to promote a sustainable, professional and investable private student housing sector. His leadership contributes to PSHA’s governance, stakeholder engagement and long-term industry development agenda. A fuller professional biography and current organisational designation should be inserted once confirmed.
Ndumiso Davidson
Chairman of PSHA and CEO of Student Living Asset Management(SLAM)
Craig McMurray
Director and Chair of the Accreditation Committee and CEO of Respublica
Craig McMurray is a Director of PSHA and provides leadership on governance, risk and compliance matters. He contributes extensive business and sector experience to the Association’s governance and strategic oversight. He also supports PSHA’s work in strengthening organisational accountability, risk management and the development of sound governance policies. Craig McMurray is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Respublica, a leading South African provider of private student accommodation. Founded in 2011, the company owns and manages modern, secure, and all-inclusive student housing across major cities like Johannesburg, Pretoria, Midrand, Cape Town, and Bloemfontein Under McMurray's leadership, Respublica has expanded its portfolio to provide thousands of student beds and has successfully acquired and integrated other major student living brands, such as the MySpace portfolio in Stellenbosch. As the CEO of Respublica, Craig represents one of the big members of PSHA, with over 10 000 beds. He is also the Chairperson of the Governance, Risk and Compliance Committee (GRC) of the PSHA Board.
Craig McMurray
Director and Chair of the Accreditation Committee and CEO of Respublica
George Comitis
Director of PSHA
George Comitis, Director of PSHA, leads Park Central Lifestyle, a boutique property firm focused on lifestyle-oriented student housing. His work emphasizes quality living environments that blend affordability with urban vibrancy. As the Director of Park Central Lifestyle, he has successfully developed 12 student housing residences in Cape Town, enhancing these properties to provide modern living near educational institutions. In the luxury real estate market, he has led prominent projects like The Legacy and The Fairmont, achieving notable sales. He also has a strong background in business leadership from his role as Managing Director at Famous Brands Food Services. Additionally, Comitis served as CEO of Ajax Cape Town Football Club, combining his business skills with a commitment to youth sports development. His expertise includes various aspects of property development, franchising, and strategic business growth.
George Comitis
Director of PSHA
George Muchanya
Elective Board Member and Head of Growthpoint Investment Partners
George Muchanya, Elective Board Member, is Head of Growthpoint Investment Partners, with a multidisciplinary foundation spanning engineering, finance, and real estate, Muchanya brings a unique lens to investment planning and asset growth. At Growthpoint Properties, Muchanya leads the co-investment strategy across key platforms, including the Growthpoint Healthcare REIT and the Growthpoint Student Accommodation REIT. Under his stewardship, the student housing portfolio—operating under the Thrive Student Living brand—has expanded to over 7,000 beds, with ambitions to grow assets under management to R12 billion. His strategic foresight not only strengthens Growthpoint’s market position but also fosters impactful urban development and access to higher education.
George Muchanya
Elective Board Member and Head of Growthpoint Investment Partners
Johan Janse van Vuuren
Director and Chair of the Finance Committee and Executive Head of Student Accommodation at Eris Property Group
Johan Janse van Vuuren, Director and Chair of the Finance Committee, is Executive Head of Student Accommodation at Eris Property Group, drives the Rise Student Living brand. With over 16 years in real estate, he leads developments like Units on Park and Cape Town Station, delivering thousands of beds and pioneering impact investment in student housing.
Johan Janse van Vuuren
Director and Chair of the Finance Committee and Executive Head of Student Accommodation at Eris Property Group
Johan Wheeler
Elective Board Member and Chief Financial Officer at South Point
Johan Wheeler, Elective Board Member and Chief Financial Officer at South Point, plays a pivotal role in financial oversight and strategic planning. His experience includes navigating complex property transactions and ensuring sustainable growth within South Point’s extensive portfolio.
Johan Wheeler
Elective Board Member and Chief Financial Officer at South Point
Nicolaas Erasmus
Founding member and Director of PSHA and Group CIO at Newlyn Asset Management
Nicolaas Erasmus, Founding member and Director of PSHA, is Group CIO at Newlyn Asset Management. His business interests span asset management, urban improvement districts, and residential development, with directorships in over 40 companies including Citiq Students and Newtown Improvement District. At Growthpoint Properties, Muchanya leads the co-investment strategy across key platforms, including the Growthpoint Healthcare REIT and the Growthpoint Student Accommodation REIT. Under his stewardship, the student housing portfolio—operating under the Thrive Student Living brand—has expanded to over 7,000 beds, with ambitions to grow assets under management to R12 billion. His strategic foresight not only strengthens Growthpoint’s market position but also fosters impactful urban development and access to higher education.
Nicolaas Erasmus
Founding member and Director of PSHA and Group CIO at Newlyn Asset Management
Pieter Feenstra
Director of PSHA and Chairman of Feenstra Group
Pieter Feenstra is the founder and Chairman of the award-winning Feenstra Group and a Director of the Private Student Housing Association (PSHA). With over 30 years of real estate experience, he is a pioneer in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and inner-city revitalization. Under his leadership, the group manages over 5,000 beds and co-founded South Africa’s first PBSA REIT with Growthpoint. Pieter’s extensive executive portfolio also includes co-founding TFMC (now Bidvest Facilities Management) and leading international PBSA ventures in Australia.
Pieter Feenstra
Director of PSHA and Chairman of Feenstra Group
Our Committee’s
The Finance Committee assists the Board in overseeing the financial affairs and sustainability of the Association.
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Its responsibilities include reviewing annual budgets, management accounts, financial policies, membership revenue, expenditure, financial controls, audit matters and material financial proposals before they are submitted to the Board.
The Committee also monitors the appropriate use of PSHA resources and advises the Board on financial risks and long-term organisational sustainability.
The Technical Committee supports PSHA’s work on the physical, operational and quality requirements applicable to student accommodation.
Its responsibilities include considering minimum norms and standards, accreditation, grading, building compliance, operational requirements, sustainability and infrastructure-related matters.
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The Committee also provides technical input into PSHA’s policy submissions, research and engagements with government, institutions and industry partners.
Committee Objectives
- Â Promote sustainable growth within the student accommodation sector
- Strengthen collaboration between industry stakeholders
- Support student-focused accommodation initiatives
- Encourage innovation and future-focused planning
- Improve operational efficiency and best practices
- Support long-term organisational development
Committee Standards
- Maintain professionalism and ethical leadership
- Promote transparency and accountability
- Support compliance with industry regulations
- Encourage high-quality accommodation standards
- Prioritise student wellbeing and safety
- Foster inclusive and collaborative decision-making
- Uphold sustainable and responsible industry practices
Committee Goals
- Increase industry participation and engagement
- Support the delivery of safe and affordable accommodation
- Encourage sustainable investment opportunities
- Strengthen compliance and governance standards
- Drive strategic planning and industry development
- Promote continuous improvement across the sector
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Strategic Planning
Developing long-term plans that support the growth and sustainability of the Industry.
The Private Student Housing Association (PSHA) was established with a shared vision – to create a stronger, more sustainable future for private student accommodation in South Africa.
As the demand for quality student housing continues to grow, so does the need for collaboration, innovation, and industry leadership. PSHA was formed to bring together accommodation providers, stakeholders, institutions, and industry partners under one unified voice committed to advancing the sector responsibly and sustainably.
From the beginning, our focus has been clear: to support the development of safe, affordable, and student-centred accommodation solutions that positively impact both students and the broader education ecosystem.