Wits Junction students speak out about worsening living conditions as maintenance problems pile up and frustrations reach a boiling point.
- Faulty WIFI, broken biometrics, and unusable laundry machines at Wits Junction
- Gym equipment is stolen or broken; curtain repairs are delayed for months
- Student leaders escalate concerns, promising action, and accountability
Once viewed as Wits University’s flagship residence for postgraduate students, Wits Junction is now being criticised by its own residents as an overpriced and under-maintained living space. From unreliable WiFi and faulty biometric entry points to broken washing machines and neglected room repairs, students say the problems are widespread, and they are tired of being ignored.
“I reported my broken curtain hooks months ago. The housekeeper is aware, but no one has fixed it,” said Paballo Speelman (23), a Wits Business School student. “I am now planning to use my own money to buy hooks which is frustrating. Even the laundry machines barely work. It takes hours to wash clothes, and that time could be used for studying.” Speelman added that gym equipment has either been stolen or left broken. “We are paying premium fees but receiving below-standard services. Honestly, I wish I had stayed at a different residence,” he said.
All Residence Student Council (ARSC) Chairperson Nqobile Cele confirmed that these issues have been formally escalated. “We’ve written a joint open letter to university stakeholders, highlighting the crisis at Wits Junction,” she said. “The Facilities Manager has started working closely with us, and Campus House and Residence Life (CHRL) is now supporting efforts to resolve these ongoing issues.
Cele also shared plans to conduct residence maintenance tours and hold student town halls to increase accountability. “We want transparency on how students’ accommodation fees are being used, these problems are not isolated other residences are also struggling.”
Wits Junction’s House Committee Maintenance Officer, Mncedisi Mhlongo, admitted that delays in addressing issues have damaged trust. “My goal is to sort out all major problems like the gym, laundry, Wi-Fi by the end of the third block. The biggest challenge is WiFi because we rely on external suppliers. But having the Facilities Manager on-site has helped us monitor handymen and track daily progress.”
For now, the promises are welcomed but students like Speelman remain sceptical. Until action replaces talk, Wits Junction remains a residence of empty promises.
FEATURED IMAGE: The Wits Junction Entrance. Photo: Lindelwa Khanyile
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