Students at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University have raised concerns over unsanitary conditions in university residences, saying the situation is affecting their studies and exposing them to potential health risks.
Once regarded as South Africa’s only dedicated medical university and a key institution for training healthcare professionals, the university is now facing criticism from students over declining living conditions.
Students at the 4B female residence say they have gone two weeks without cleaning services or running water, despite paying nearly R50,000 annually for accommodation.
One student said the conditions were unacceptable for a health sciences institution.
“Since we are the only health science university in South Africa, I think we should be leading by example. It should be clean and hygienic, but none of that is being practised,” the student said.
Students also say the lack of water and sanitation has disrupted academic activities, resulting in delays to tests and lectures, while raising fears of infection and illness.
Some students claim there is reluctance among peers to speak out due to fear of victimisation.
“Some of my colleagues are scared to speak up because they don’t want to be on the wrong side of the university,” another student said. “But I’m tired. I want to see change.”
In response to enquiries, the university said that unplanned occupancy during recent water disruptions contributed to poor cleanliness in certain isolated cases.
The institution says it is addressing the matter, though students insist urgent intervention is needed to restore basic living conditions.