Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Administration Block A building, commonly known as Admin A, has been under construction since May 2025. SU students have said clearer communication from SU about timelines and operational alternatives is needed.
The W3O construction workers sit outside the ongoing renovations at Stellenbosch University (SU)’s Administration Block A building, commonly known as Admin A. PHOTO: Bulela Sikithi
SMF News previously reported that the renovation of Admin A, located on Ryneveld Street, was expected to run until May 2026.
“They should have given us timelines with these constructions and which zones will be closed and unavailable for use because construction shrinks campus so much,” said Olwethu Ngolotyi, a third-year mathematical science student at SU.
According to Martin Viljoen, SU’s spokesperson, the delay has had no impact on classes, residences, accessibility or other campus activities. The completed building will also bring accessibility up to current standards, said Viljoen.
In early September 2025, the university was aware that the original deadline would not be met, and informed affected staff of this at the time, said Viljoen.
However, some students said they were not made aware of this extension.
“They have not done a lot in terms of communicating with us as to what is happening,” said Ngolotyi.
“Monthly end-user feedback sessions are set in the diaries, where an update on the project is provided and how it will influence end-users,” said Viljoen.
“The current projected completion date for the Admin A refurbishment project is scheduled for the end of April 2027,” said Viljoen.
He also noted that construction on existing buildings can be unpredictable, so the completion date is subject to change.
SMF News reached out to W3O, the construction company responsible for refurbishing Admin A, but they were unable to respond directly.
Stellenbosch University (SU), spokesperson Martin Viljoen says the revised completion date for the construction work at Administration Block A is projected for April 2027 – but remains subject to change. PHOTO: Bulela Sikithi
“The relocated operations have now run for more than a year, including a full registration cycle that went smoothly,” said Viljoen. “Consideration is being given to making this arrangement permanent,” he added.
This means that instead of moving services back to Admin A once construction is finished, the university may keep them spread across the current spaces for good, said Viljoen.
“That is a terrible idea because we don’t know [where] 90% of the services are […] I don’t know where to get student cards done, IT [hub] is, and finance is […] it is all over the show and sometimes you’ll find [some] people are working from home,” said Caleb Daries, a final-year BCom (Actuarial Science) student.
According to SU’s website Admin A services have been relocated to the Inorganic Chemistry Building on Bosman Street.
Safety signage outside Admin A site showing the ongoing work as the project timeline continues to face adjustments. PHOTO: Bulela Sikithi
While April 2027 stands as the current targeted completion date, Viljoen cautioned that this timeline remains an estimate rather than a guarantee.