Digging online for accommodation space

AT HOME: Students can use the OCHAP database to find private accommodation.

Wednesday, 06 February 2019

The shortage of affordable accommodation close to campuses has long been an issue for universities across South Africa and CPUT continues to seek innovative solutions to help address the need.

The institution recently met with DigsConnect, an online platform that aims to help students find safe accommodation close to their institutions.

“We’re thrilled to be working with tech start-up DigsConnect.com, South Africa’s largest student accommodation marketplace. It allows landlords and agents across the accommodation spectrum to list their student properties, and for students to then connect with the landlords directly,” says Phillip Chibvuri from CPUT’s Residence Business Unit.

“At CPUT we pride ourselves on innovation and taking practical action to solve inefficiencies in our society. Part of this commitment includes working with exciting start-ups that are changing the way that we do things. We are exploring a more vibrant relationship with DigsConnect in the year 2019 to spread our own accredited properties on their website.”

CPUT’s own Off-Campus Housing Accreditation Program (OCHAP) was launched in 2017 and allows students to search for private accommodation, which has been approved and accredited by CPUT officials.

To visit the database, go to http://www.cput.ac.za/students/life/accommodation/ochap/properties

Written by Ilse Fredericks

Email: Frederickskennediji@cput.ac.za