6 February 2026, Soshanguve – On Friday, 6 February 2026, the MEC for Human Settlements, Tasneem Motara, together with the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF), officially launched Thuto House — a modern, purpose‑built student accommodation facility aimed at expanding access to safe, affordable, and well‑located housing for students in Gauteng. Thuto House began operations earlier this year and is already fully committed, highlighting the demand for quality student housing in township communities.

Strategically located near Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Soshanguve South Campus and the Tshwane North TVET College, the residence reduces travel time, transport costs and safety risks for students. The development — part of a R64‑million investment co‑funded by the NEF and GPF — provides accommodation for more than 360 students and created around 120 jobs during construction. Nine permanent operational jobs have been established, and the residence functions as a revenue‑generating business rooted in Soshanguve.

Speaking during the formal programme, MEC Motara highlighted the department’s commitment to dignified living conditions for students. She remarked:

“You cannot succeed without dignified living conditions. A student who is worried about safety, transport, overcrowding and unstable accommodation is not able to focus fully on their studies. Housing and education are inseparable.”

NEF CEO Mziwabantu Dayimani emphasised that Thuto Residence delivers on the NEF’s development mandate:

“Thuto Residence sits squarely at the intersection of our mandate: human capital development, township‑based asset creation and black, women‑owned property ownership. Student accommodation is an essential social and economic infrastructure; safe, affordable housing improves academic outcomes, reduces student vulnerability and supports retention and completion. By investing in a sustainable student residence in Soshanguve, we are turning policy intent into brick, mortar and opportunity and demonstrating how development finance can uplift both students and the communities they call home.”

Speaking on behalf of the NEF board of trustees, Mr Mohammed Bhabha noted:

“As a trustee of the NEF board, I am proud that Thuto Residence delivers precisely on our mandate to support black‑owned property developers and unlock sectors with high barriers to entry. This project creates a stable asset that will support students year after year.”

GPF Board Chairperson Craig Cornish highlighted the Fund’s drive to expand access to affordable student accommodation:

“Thuto Residence embodies our commitment to delivering dignified, well‑located student housing that expands opportunity for young people while advancing inclusive participation in the property sector. Developments like this demonstrate the transformative impact of investing in township communities and empowering HDI‑owned enterprises.”

Co‑owner Gwen Nkosi explained that the project’s impact extends beyond accommodation:

“Beyond accommodation, the project supported local employment and local suppliers during its development.”

A student resident thanked the developers for investing in students’ dignity and well‑being, noting that amenities such as a study hub and on‑site gym have created a supportive environment that alleviates safety concerns and logistical burdens, allowing students to focus more fully on their academic goals.

GPF CEO Lindiwe Kwele concluded by situating the launch within a broader vision for township development:

“We are making transformation tangible, visible and enduring. Thuto House is not an isolated project; it is part of a broader shift in how we view and invest in township spaces – not as peripheral, but as central to our province’s growth story.”

A ribbon‑cutting, showroom tour and media interviews followed the speeches, and guests enjoyed a networking lunch to celebrate another milestone in accessible, equitable and transformative student housing.

Ends…

For further information and images, please contact:

Terry‑Ann Van Eck – Spokesperson, MEC for Human Settlements
Phone: 074 415 5447 | Email: Terry‑Ann.VanEck@gauteng.gov.za / GDHuSInfo@gauteng.gov.za

OR

Andile Ndlovu – Stakeholder Relations Officer, Gauteng Partnership Fund
Phone: 063 771 4164 | Email: andilen@gpf.org.za

OR

Dikatso Mothae – NEF Marketing and Communications Manager,  Phone: 084 314 6713 | email: Mothaed@nefcorp.co.za