18 August 2026, Cape Town: As demand for quality education continues to grow across Cape Town and the Western Cape, investment in schools and broader education infrastructure remains critical to ensuring more learners can access quality learning opportunities.
During the 2025/26 financial year, Edu Invest, a catalytic initiative powered by Wesgro in partnership with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), assisted in facilitating R320 million in new independent school and training facility projects across the province. In addition, nearly R68 million was mobilised through Corporate Social Investment (CSI) and impact funding aimed at supporting education-focused initiatives.
Since its inception in 2023, Edu Invest has built a growing pipeline of investment opportunities across the province by connecting investors, education operators, government and funding partners. Through this partnership-driven approach, the initiative facilitates investment into affordable education models, strengthens education infrastructure and supports long-term socio-economic development.
Beyond facilitating investment, Edu Invest continued to strengthen the province's education investment ecosystem during the year. The initiative launched its inaugural Guide to Investing in Education and hosted its first Invest in Education event, bringing together investors, education providers, philanthropists, government and development partners to showcase investment-ready opportunities, strengthen collaboration and position education as a strategic investment sector within the Western Cape.
Edu Invest also facilitated strategic partnerships that translated into tangible education outcomes, including the launch of a new Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre at Cloetesville Primary School on 6 November 2025. Established through a partnership between ATKV and Breadline Africa, the centre expanded access to quality early learning infrastructure and demonstrated the impact of cross-sector collaboration in strengthening education from the earliest years.
Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, said: “Education is key to a thriving economy, and investment in the sector is an investment in our future workforce. The progress achieved over the past financial year demonstrates what is possible when government, investors, education operators and funding partners work together to expand access to quality education and create opportunities for learners.”
Of the total investment facilitated during the year, R305 million was earmarked for the development of affordable independent schools serving underserved communities across the region. Among the projects supported were the continued expansion of Apex Education Group and Christel House South Africa.
Apex's continued growth reflects the increasing demand for affordable, quality education. The group has emerged as a strong example of how innovative education models can be scaled to serve more learners while maintaining a focus on accessibility and academic excellence.
Commenting on the group's growth, Apex CEO Jana du Plooy said: “The demand for accessible, high-quality education inspired the launch of Vision 10.10.10, through which Apex plans to establish 10 new schools over the next 10 years, creating access for an additional 10,000 learners per year. Through collaborative partnerships, this R1 billion investment will help unlock scalable education models that create meaningful opportunities for learners and their communities.”
Another example is Christel House South Africa, the country's only no-fee independent school, which recently launched a new high school in Ottery. The school will accommodate an additional 300 learners, strengthening the province's education offering and expanding access to Christel House's holistic education model.
Speaking on the expansion, Christel House South Africa CEO, Adri Marais said: “We believe every child deserves access to quality education and holistic support that empowers them to realise their full potential. Expanding our footprint in the Western Cape, with the support of Edu Invest, represents an important step in continuing to create opportunities for learners from underserved communities through a proven model, centred on long-term impact.”
Commenting on the importance of partnerships, Head of the Department for Education, Brent Walters: “Partnerships will remain critical in helping us address growing demand for quality education in the Western Cape. Through collaboration between government, the private sector, investors and education partners, we can continue expanding access to quality learning opportunities while strengthening the long-term sustainability of the sector.”
Looking ahead, Edu Invest will continue to support new school infrastructure developments across the Western Cape while connecting investment-ready education projects with funding and growth opportunities.
This commitment is reflected in Generation Schools' recent announcement of a significant investment from Old Mutual Alternative Investments' Education Investment Impact Fund (EduFund). Generation Schools, an independent education group offering academic, vocational and trade education pathways, plans to further expand access to affordable, quality education in the Western Cape. Edu Invest will continue to support Generation Schools, alongside other education providers, as they grow their footprint across the region and contribute to greater access to quality education, skills development and pathways to employment for young people.
As demand for quality education continues to grow, Edu Invest will remain focused on unlocking investment, strengthening strategic partnerships and supporting projects that expand access to quality learning opportunities across the Western Cape.
-ends-
