Student Accommodation in South Africa with Amo Mocumi
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Amo Mocumi (Head of Growthpoint Properties’ Student Accommodation REIT) joins host Monde Nkosi to discuss purpose-built student accommodation in South Africa. Amo describes the importance of accommodation to student outcomes, explaining that it is more than just a bed - it includes a range of amenities to support student success, such as psychological assistance, academic support programs, good internet connectivity, and 24/7 safe environments. He highlights the significant and growing imbalance between fast-growing enrolments at universities and the limited number of residences to accommodate these students, advocating for private sector investors to play a role in fixing that imbalance. Amo also shares personal reflections on his journey and pays tribute to those who have shaped him.
Amo is the Head of Growthpoint Properties’ Student Accommodation REIT, which was launched in 2021 and has rapidly grown to 14 properties serving more than 10,000 students across private and public higher education institutions in South Africa, with a portfolio valued in the billions of Rands. Prior to Growthpoint, Amo was Head of Real Estate Acquisitions at the Public Investment Corporation, Africa’s largest asset manager. He started his career in construction at Triple C Management and real estate investment banking at Nedbank. Amo holds a BSc in Construction Studies and a BCom Honours in Financial Analysis and Portfolio Management, both from the University of Cape Town, and an MSc in Real Estate Investment from the University of Reading.
Amo is the Head of Growthpoint Properties’ Student Accommodation REIT, which was launched in 2021 and has rapidly grown to 14 properties serving more than 10,000 students across private and public higher education institutions in South Africa, with a portfolio valued in the billions of Rands. Prior to Growthpoint, Amo was Head of Real Estate Acquisitions at the Public Investment Corporation, Africa’s largest asset manager. He started his career in construction at Triple C Management and real estate investment banking at Nedbank. Amo holds a BSc in Construction Studies and a BCom Honours in Financial Analysis and Portfolio Management, both from the University of Cape Town, and an MSc in Real Estate Investment from the University of Reading.
Chapters
- 00:01 Introduction
- 01:14 Guest introduction: Amo Mocumi
- 02:48 Amo's background and career journey
- 06:30 Internal Education and Career Development
- 09:04 Early interest in architecture and construction
- 11:10 Experience in public and private sectors
- 15:16 Personal interests and art appreciation
- 18:27 Impact of accommodation on student outcomes
- 24:28 Growth Point Student Accommodation REIT
- 29:16 Student profile and accommodation features
- 32:33 University relationships and private sector role
- 36:58 Government and NSFAS role in student accommodation
- 42:06 Investment case for purpose-built student accommodation
- 51:19 Key risks in student accommodation investment
- 55:13 Future plans and favourite teacher
