SOUTH AFRICA – Sanari Capital, a private equity firm investing in medium-sized and mid-market growth companies from Africa, has announced an R80 million (US$4.4 million) follow-on investment in EduLife Group.
The investment will allow EduLife to entrench its schools further in existing regions and expand into other provinces.
The capital will build on the company’s foundation in the Free State and expand its offering further in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Gauteng.
Furthermore, the group continues to experience growth in its existing schools due to continued demand for quality education at an affordable price point in the areas it operates in. As such, part of the funding will be used to expand capacity in these schools.
“We’re pleased to support EduLife Group as they continue their ambitious expansion strategy. Our work is driven by sustainable value creation, not just for companies and investors, but for the communities and environments touched by the businesses we work with,” said Moushmi Patel, Partner at Sanari Capital.
“This is why we partnered with EduLife Group. Together, we are bringing accessible, affordable, relevant education to students across income levels on a sustainable and profitable basis, combining exciting growth prospects with rewarding impact.”
EduLife Group is a network of independent schools offering diverse and tailor-made education across the economic spectrum.
They focus mainly on educating students from LSM 4–7 by delivering a learner-first solution and producing quality education outcomes, where the alternatives are sometimes dire, or there is no school nearby.
The group focuses on rolling out schools in areas that usually do not see private school investment.
EduLife’s pioneering school, Academy of Excellence, founded 25 years ago and serving primarily the Batho township community in Bloemfontein, has achieved a 100% metric pass rate in all but one of the past five years and an over 60% Bachelor’s pass rate for the 2023 class.
EduLife’s strong management team brings an exceptional focus on execution, a bold vision, deep care for the community, and a profound understanding of how quality education can be achieved in lower-income neighborhoods.
With an attractive return, the growth comes from a scalable model, innovative thinking, a partnering mindset, entrepreneurial grit, and digital enablement.
“Our aim is to provide inclusive, modern, and tailor-made educational excellence that enables all students to thrive, reach their full potential, and be prepared to meet the demands of the future,” said Hansie Engelbrecht, CEO of EduLife Group.
“This follow-on investment enables us to expand into new regions and further develop our existing schools to provide quality education to more people.
“Our schools offer an affordable alternative for families who wouldn’t otherwise have access to high-quality schooling. Our learners receive an excellent education and progress at the same pace as their peers in more metropolitan areas.”
The schools have played a pivotal role in bringing the communities together. They have used subjects like agricultural science to educate students in this field and provide fresh produce for the community at minimal cost.
“Sanari Capital is extremely proud of the company’s growth, broader social impact, and the educators’ and learners’ commitments to excellence and community. We look forward to watching EduLife Group go from strength to strength in the coming years,” concluded Patel.
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