CBPM Conference 2026 · Vol. 2026, Issue 1

Compliance and Implementation Challenges of DHET Minimum Norms and Standards in Off-Campus Student Accommodation in South Africa: A Systematic Literature Review

Nontokozo Silindokuhle Nxumalo, and Iruka Chijindu Anugwo

Keywords: Challenges, DHET Minimum Norms and Standards, off-campus student accommodation, South Africa, student housing

Abstract

This study examines the compliance and implementation challenges associated with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Minimum Norms and Standards for off-campus student accommodation in South Africa. The growing demand for student housing and increasing reliance on privately managed accommodation have raised concerns regarding accommodation quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. A systematic literature review (SLR) guided by the PRISMA framework was conducted to identify, evaluate, and synthesise existing literature published between 2015 and 2025. The review synthesised evidence from 20 eligible studies. The review analysed studies relating to student accommodation conditions, governance, compliance, and student experiences within the South African higher education sector. The findings indicate that compliance with DHET standards remains inconsistent across several areas, particularly safety and security, infrastructure maintenance, facilities and service provision, and accessibility. The review further identified weak governance and regulatory oversight, financial constraints, accommodation shortages, and the prevalence of unregulated accommodation providers as key implementation challenges affecting compliance. The findings also reveal that non-compliance has implications for student well-being, academic performance, and overall accommodation satisfaction. By consolidating existing evidence, this study contributes to the understanding of policy implementation challenges within the student accommodation sector and provides insights that may assist universities, accommodation providers, and policymakers in strengthening compliance and improving the quality of off-campus student housing in South Africa.