ABOUT US | Opal Students

ABOUT OPAL STUDENTS

Opal Students is a student accommodation and lifestyle brand owned and operated by Bono Properties. Founded in 2018, Bono Properties have invested in developing high quality property including residential rental apartments, housing and student accommodation with a keen focus on affordability and practicality for clients.

Opal Students, and The Opal was developed upon recognising a gap in affordable apartment-styled student accommodation. There’s nothing worse than preparing for an exam in a room full of people, poor lighting and no study desk. Worse yet, getting up early to prepare for class during a cold winter morning, only to be greeted by a cold shower.

The founders of Opal Students, Patricia and Mulalo, know these scenarios all too well. The two were determined to change the status quo by providing ‘fit for purpose’ student apartments at affordable rates.

We wanted to contribute to changing the lives of young people by leveling the playing field for the less fortunate.

OPAL STUDENTS OWNER BAGS AN AWARD AT THE ANNUAL INVESTOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS.

Opal Students co-founder Mulalo Tshitema won the Big League Investor award at the annual Investor of the Year Awards held at the end of November in Melrose Arch. Organised by the SA property Investors Network, the awards are known for ‘shining a light on those willing to be brave, bold, and tenacious in the face of a swiftly evolving property and finance environment.’

Mulalo Tshitema’s presentation in front of the judges earned him the coveted award. Through Bono Properties, Mulalo has invested smartly in the property sector, mainly the low-cost rental and student accommodations. He has invested in a 20-rooms multi-let which has been in operation since 2018 in Auckland Park. His second deal, The Opal under Opal Students, comprises 94 two-bedroom apartments, scheduled for completion by the end of 2021- ready for the 2022 student intake period. This property has Student Accommodation Accreditation and is dedicated to students studying at the University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus.

THE OPAL

Planning and development started in 2018 already, when The Opal idea was born. Now, as we are nearing the end of 2021 we are also completing construction and final installations to welcome our first students in January 2022 for the new 2022 academic year.

We are incredibly excited and look forward to creating a home away from home for so many students.

Here’s a few photos of the initial design, some construction and progress photos: