Donors

About Us

Khanya, meaning light in isiXhosa and isiZulu, symbolises our primary mission to illuminate the path to academic success by providing access to high quality student accommodation. We believe that by addressing the foundational need for quality student accommodation and providing a conducive learning environment with strong communities we can help students reach their full potential at University and ultimately contribute meaningfully to society.

Empirical evidence suggests a strong correlation between the quality of student accommodation and academic success, particularly in terms of improved student satisfaction, productivity, and performance. Studies indicate that high-quality housing, characterized by safe and well-managed residences, positive social environments, and access to study facilities, contributes to students’ overall well-being and academic achievement.

While our core focus is providing deserving students with accommodation, we recognize that accommodation alone is not enough. To further remove barriers to academic achievement, we also offer support for other tertiary education-related expenses such as meal and transport allowances, as well as tuition assistance where needed.

Our Purpose

Khanya was founded with the purpose of empowering financially excluded and underprivileged students through access to quality, purpose-built student accommodation that supports both their academic and personal development. We support students who are dedicated to pursuing higher education but are constrained by economic hardship and the rising cost of living.

By enabling students to focus on their studies, we are investing in the next generation of South African leaders, innovators and changemakers.

Why Student Accommodation Matters

Access to quality accommodation is not a luxury, it is a necessity for academic success. Without safe and reliable housing underpinned by strong communities and support programs, many students are forced to live in unsafe, overcrowded and squalid conditions, or endure long and costly commutes, often dropping out due to financial constraints.

Our research and experience show that:

• Students in secure housing are more likely to complete their studies.
• Quality accommodation promotes emotional and psychological wellbeing.
• Living near campus increases access to support services, peer engagement and extracurricular involvement.

Who We Support

Khanya bridges a crucial funding gap in the South African higher education landscape:

The Missing Middle

These are students whose household incomes marginally exceed the threshold for state-sponsored financial aid (like NSFAS), yet they still cannot afford basic accommodation needs. This group is consistently underserved and requires financial support.

NSFAS Top-Up Support

Even with NSFAS funding, many students face shortfalls. Our top-up funding model complements existing support by covering the remaining cost of accommodation and essential living expenses.

Other

Other applications for deserving students will be considered through the selection process.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled at a selected accredited South African university or recognised college.
• Be in their second year of study or beyond.
• Demonstrate academic merit (minimum 60% average).
• Be pursuing studies in fields of national importance.

Who We Support

Khanya’s funding model is transparent, student-centric and impact-driven:

1. Application Submission
   Students apply via an online platform and upload supporting documents including academic results, personal motivation letter, proof of household income etc.
2. Assessment Phase
   Each application is reviewed against our strict eligibility criteria. This includes an assessment of financial need, academic performance and programme alignment.
3. Approval & Disbursement
   Approved students receive an accommodation or top-up bursary for a year, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory academic performance and availability of funding.
4. Ongoing Support & Accountability
   We monitor each recipient’s academic progress and provide ongoing support to ensure student retention and successful graduation.

Donor-specific requirements regarding student selection will be accommodated where applicable.

Process for Securing Accommodation

1. Khanya will partner with accommodation providers that meet the qualifying criteria.
2. A designated number of beds will be secured through facilitation agreements between Khanya and landlords.
3. Khanya will place qualifying students in accommodation.
4. Khanya will cover accommodation costs (fully or partially) based on the funding awarded through its adjudication process, with payments made directly to landlords.
5. Where students receive external funding (e.g. NSFAS), they are responsible for ensuring their accommodation fees are fully paid. Failure to do so will result in the termination of Khanya’s support and reallocation of the bed to another eligible student.
6. Khanya will regularly engage with students to monitor compliance with funding terms, assess academic progress, and ensure satisfaction with their accommodation.

What Your Support Enables

• Dignified, quality student housing for deserving students that provides a conducive environment for academic success, mental and physical wellbeing.
• Remove the financial burden of ancillary tertiary education expenses (including tuition).
• Higher academic performance, retention and ultimately graduation rates.
• Graduates who are better prepared to contribute to the economy and society.

A Message to Donors and Partners

We invite corporate partners, foundations and individual philanthropists to join us in building a legacy of impact. Whether through once-off contributions, sustained partnerships or CSI funding alignment, your support helps unlock the doors of higher education for students in need.

Opportunities for Donors

S18A Tax Deductible Donations
Khanya is a registered Non-Profit Company, meaning that any donations received will be accompanied with a s18A certificate. This will allow you to reduce your taxable income through an allowable deduction by up to 10% of annual taxable income.

SED Contributions
Donations toward provision of accommodation to students satisfies the objective of SED Contributions as outlined in the BBBEE Codes.

Branding Exposure
Exposure on our donor recognition page. Student testimonials and success stories to share with your stakeholders.

Respublica’s Involvement in Khanya

Respublica played a key role in launching Khanya Student Fund and is one of its founding donors. In the short to medium term, Respublica will oversee Khanya’s finance and administrative functions and will maintain significant representation within its governance structures, including the Board and various committees, as the fund becomes established. However, the long-term intention is to transition these responsibilities to more independent parties as Khanya grows and matures.

Initially all accommodation will be provided by Respublica, with the intention to onboard other operators in the future.

Respublica has established itself as the country’s leading developer, owner and manager of student accommodation and related services. They have 14 years of purpose-built student accommodation industry experience, and a portfolio of over 10 000 beds at 11 residences, which service major public universities and private colleges across the country. Respublica has the specialised expertise and proven track record to ensure Khanya can successfully deliver on its key objective of positively impacting a student’s development journey.

Refer to separate brochure outlining Respublica’s reach and capability.

Responsibility of Khanya

Donors can rely on Khanya to ensure that the following administration is taken care of:

• Selection of qualifying students
• Identification and selection of PBSA operators
• Monitoring of beneficiaries awarded
• Back office administration, accounting, cash management and financial reporting
• Preparation of financial statements
• SARS and statutory submissions
• Governance and compliance (including Annual General Meetings)
• Issuance of s18a certificates to donors

Khanya Organisational Information

• Registration number: 2023 / 864392 / 08
• Registration date: 20/07/2023
• Financial year end: December
• Income tax number: 9525728201
• PBO reference number: 930082497

Looking Ahead

Our future plans include:

• Expanding our funding allocation to include allowances for meals and study materials, transport and tuition.
• Expanding our reach across more institutions and provinces.
• Building strategic partnerships with other student accommodation providers.
• Enhancing digital tools for donor engagement and student support.

Join Us in Brightening Futures

When you partner with Khanya, you’re not just funding a bed, you’re fuelling potential, securing dreams and enabling a better future for South Africa.

Respublica Testimonials

“We have genuinely enjoyed our experience with your company and value the strong relationship we have developed over the years. We appreciate the positive interactions we’ve had and have not encountered any challenges or complaints regarding our beneficiaries at your residence.

…We prioritize several key aspects to ensure a positive experience for our beneficiaries. First and foremost, safety is paramount as they leave home to attend various educational institutions without the presence of their parents or families. Additionally, maintaining a clean environment and providing easy access to these institutions are crucial factors. These elements are essential in helping learners focus on their studies, allowing them to concentrate on their education without unnecessary concerns. These are the main reasons why we choose your company.”

—JB Marks, Office Manager