The hearts of the South African Student Accommodation Providers Association (SASAPA) go out to the family, friends, and peers of the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) student who tragically lost their life during a break-in at a university-managed residence in Summerstrand. We also offer our support and well wishes to the injured student during their recovery. No student should ever feel unsafe in their residence, which should be a sanctuary for learning and personal growth.

While the police investigation is underway, this incident serves as a powerful and urgent reminder that the safety of our students is a shared responsibility that transcends the management of any one property. It is a shared challenge that requires a united front from every player in the higher education ecosystem.

The tragic events at NMU underscore the need for a broader, more collaborative conversation about student safety. The fact is, all students, whether in private or university-managed housing, deserve the highest level of security. Our energy must be directed toward fortifying the entire sector against the persistent threat of crime.

SASAPA remains committed to upholding stringent accreditation standards for our member residences, but we recognise this is just one part of the solution. The external threats posed by crime in our communities must be confronted collectively.

In response to this and other safety incidents, SASAPA believes all stakeholders must commit to concrete, collaborative actions:

* Strengthen Partnership with Universities: Universities and private providers must move beyond traditional service agreements. We need open, ongoing dialogues to share best practices in security and to develop proactive, area-specific safety strategies.
* Enhance Community Policing: The safety of students is tied to the safety of the community they live in. This requires closer, more effective partnerships between educational institutions, accommodation providers, the SAPS, and municipal law enforcement. We must work together to increase police visibility and address crime hotspots around student residences.
* Improve National Infrastructure: The ongoing systemic challenges, such as chronic payment delays from NSFAS, create instability that can distract from critical issues like security. Government and funding bodies must play their part in creating a stable and supportive environment for the entire student housing sector.

The passing of a student is a tragedy that should never happen. When it occurs in a place meant to be a safe haven, it is an indictment of the entire system. This is a time for unity, not recrimination, and for a collective commitment to build a safer future for all South Africa's students.

SASAPA is ready to work with NMU and other institutions to ensure that every student can pursue their education in a safe and secure environment. The memory of the student we have lost must inspire all of us to action, so that no more families have to endure such a heartbreaking loss.