IN CONVERSATION WITH ANNETTE LINDEQUE, (Intersite CEO) (Intersite is a subsidiary of PRASA)
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The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), through its property
subsidiary Intersite, has officially opened The Lab Building Student
09:35
Accommodation in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. The launch, held on
Tuesday, 14 October 2025, marks a major step in PRASA’s strategy to use its
property portfolio to drive socio-economic development and ensure the
long-term sustainability of rail operations.
The Lab is a 12-storey, 700-bed facility that offers affordable and
conveniently located housing for students from nearby universities and TVET
colleges. The development transformed a previously underutilised PRASA-
owned office building into a vibrant student living space. It was developed
through a public-private partnership between Intersite and the Elevated
Fund.
The opening ceremony was attended by members of the PRASA and Intersite
Boards, as well as the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Councillor Dada
Morero, who praised the project as a milestone in urban regeneration and
safe student accommodation.
PRASA Board Chair Nosizwe Nokwe-Macamo said the initiative reflects
PRASA’s commitment to using transport-linked properties to promote social
and economic progress.
“Through Intersite, we are reimagining the role of transport-linked properties
as catalysts for social and economic progress. This project embodies that
commitment, transforming underutilised buildings into safe, affordable, and
dignified accommodation for students who represent the future of our
country,” she said.
The Lab offers a conducive learning environment with a range of modern
amenities, including:
Computer rooms
Rooftop sports facilities
Braai and social areas
Group and individual study rooms
Gym and laundry facilities
Biometric access control
24-hour security with CCTV
Convenient transport links
Currently, the residence accommodates over 500 students, with plans to
reach full capacity of 700 NSFAS-accredited students by January 2026.
During his keynote address, Executive Mayor Dada Morero highlighted that
ensuring safety remains a top priority for the City’s inner-city revitalisation
programme.
“To safeguard the investments made into the city, it is important that law
enforcement agencies are present not only to protect infrastructure but also
our communities,” he said.
PRASA’s Rail + Property Strategy aims to increase revenue to R2.5 billion by
2035, driven by Intersite’s focus on property development, co-investments,
station precinct modernisation, and renewable energy projects.
In her closing remarks, Intersite Board Chair Ayanda Peter said the entity is
committed to balancing commercial success with public benefit.
“Our task as the Board is to ensure that Intersite operates with commercial
discipline, strategic agility, and developmental purpose—showcasing how
state-owned entities can deliver both profit and public value,” she
concluded.
subsidiary Intersite, has officially opened The Lab Building Student
09:35
Accommodation in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. The launch, held on
Tuesday, 14 October 2025, marks a major step in PRASA’s strategy to use its
property portfolio to drive socio-economic development and ensure the
long-term sustainability of rail operations.
The Lab is a 12-storey, 700-bed facility that offers affordable and
conveniently located housing for students from nearby universities and TVET
colleges. The development transformed a previously underutilised PRASA-
owned office building into a vibrant student living space. It was developed
through a public-private partnership between Intersite and the Elevated
Fund.
The opening ceremony was attended by members of the PRASA and Intersite
Boards, as well as the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Councillor Dada
Morero, who praised the project as a milestone in urban regeneration and
safe student accommodation.
PRASA Board Chair Nosizwe Nokwe-Macamo said the initiative reflects
PRASA’s commitment to using transport-linked properties to promote social
and economic progress.
“Through Intersite, we are reimagining the role of transport-linked properties
as catalysts for social and economic progress. This project embodies that
commitment, transforming underutilised buildings into safe, affordable, and
dignified accommodation for students who represent the future of our
country,” she said.
The Lab offers a conducive learning environment with a range of modern
amenities, including:
Computer rooms
Rooftop sports facilities
Braai and social areas
Group and individual study rooms
Gym and laundry facilities
Biometric access control
24-hour security with CCTV
Convenient transport links
Currently, the residence accommodates over 500 students, with plans to
reach full capacity of 700 NSFAS-accredited students by January 2026.
During his keynote address, Executive Mayor Dada Morero highlighted that
ensuring safety remains a top priority for the City’s inner-city revitalisation
programme.
“To safeguard the investments made into the city, it is important that law
enforcement agencies are present not only to protect infrastructure but also
our communities,” he said.
PRASA’s Rail + Property Strategy aims to increase revenue to R2.5 billion by
2035, driven by Intersite’s focus on property development, co-investments,
station precinct modernisation, and renewable energy projects.
In her closing remarks, Intersite Board Chair Ayanda Peter said the entity is
committed to balancing commercial success with public benefit.
“Our task as the Board is to ensure that Intersite operates with commercial
discipline, strategic agility, and developmental purpose—showcasing how
state-owned entities can deliver both profit and public value,” she
concluded.
