While students are protesting for free education, the government has another problem on its hands - lack of student accommodation. The Department of Higher Education and Training estimates that this year there is shortage of 216,000 beds and by 2030 an extra 400,000 beds will be needed.While government departments, including Human Settlements, are trying to solve the problem, the private sector is cashing in. Private residences are sprouting up around the country - from basic digs to extravagant apartments complete with personal trainers, housekeeping, 10GB fibreoptic Wi-Fi, and gyms.Companies such as Campus Key, Student & Life, Republic and Unilofts are big players in cities such as Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and Potchefstroom.Options in Cape Town include a "breathtaking view of Table Mountain" and range from R3,400 to R5,000 a month.Johan Botha, chief executive officer of Unilofts, which operates in Bloemfontein and Pretoria, said his company's residences were aimed at serious students in search of tranquillity away from campus. They offered "very luxurious" fully furnished apartments with dishwashers, tumble driers, DSTV and top security.CampusKey Student Living spokesman Diana van der Merwe said her company was planning to open a 608-room residence in Cape Town aimed at University of Cape Town students.Republica has announced plans to launch a 2,200-bed development in Hatfield Square next year.UCT accommodates 6,700 students and has about 500 on its waiting list. Spokesman Azwi Mufamadi said about 1200 beds off campus , and at affordable prices, were being sought...