13 July 2026
Sydenham residents protest along Lacey Road in Durban on Monday to oppose the conversion of a building near their homes into student accommodation. Photo: Tsoanelo Sefoloko
Residents of Sydenham protested along busy Lacey Road in Durban on Monday to show their opposition to a building near their homes being converted into student accommodation.
They held placards that read: “No unauthorised student accommodation” and “Protect our residential area”.
They claim the suburb is overcrowded and that communities are not consulted properly before developments are approved.
The mostly elderly protesters, who say they’ve lived in the area for decades, worry that students will change its quiet character.
Several people said that at least three buildings are being converted into student accommodation and they fear more will follow.
The latest privately-owned building at the centre of the dispute is Salamat, which is currently being renovated.
Community policing forum member Eugene Arrenah said residents were concerned about overcrowding and its impact on already stretched essential services.
“We were never consulted about the changes taking place in our area. Before a building is converted into student accommodation, the community should be consulted first,” said Arrenah.
Resident Ruth Buckton said, “Business owners are only thinking about making profits without following the proper channels. We believe student accommodation should be provided closer to the CBD. We are elderly residents and there is no accommodation being developed for senior citizens.”
Ward 31 councillor Remona McKenzie (DA) said she was informed about the proposed conversion of the building. “I am not against student accommodation as such, but the process that appears to have been followed raises concerns. I have written several letters to the municipality’s town planning department but have never received feedback,” said McKenzie.
Salamat building owner Iqbal Mohammed told GroundUp: “The building is currently under renovation. We have received a proposal, but we have not yet decided whether we will allow it to be used as student accommodation. If we decide to proceed, we will follow all the required legal processes.”
The article will be updated with a response from the eThekwini municipality when received.
