As the world returns to work, demand for OHS officers set to rise

In recent years, the demand for Occupational Health and Safety professionals increased as a result of tightening regulations locally and globally. This demand is expected to rise even further in coming months as the world returns to work following Covid-19 shutdowns, as companies and organisations are compelled to ensure sites are as safe as possible for staff, customers and other stakeholders entering their premises.

In a recent position paper on Covid-19, the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) noted that Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) professionals play “important roles in helping organisations and governments to protect lives and manage OSH and wellbeing risks, business continuity and sustainability. They work throughout all sectors and for organisations of all sizes and types across the globe”.

Phakamani Mswi, OHS Officer at Oxbridge Academy, a private college that serves more than 20 000 South African distance learning students every year, says as opportunities in the sector grow, it is also expected that more prospective students will realise the value of studying towards and pursuing a career in this growing field.

“We’ve absolutely seen a surge in OHS-related activities recently, with governmental departments and companies recruiting health and safety officers to assist with screening, data capturing and compliance monitoring,” he says.

“And as more and more people return to work and companies, and schools and universities open their doors, we expect the need for dedicated OHS officers to increase even further. In fact, most companies with more than a handful of employees are likely to require qualified and trained staff to look after these specialised portfolios, particularly as we learn to live with new ways of normal while Covid-19 remains a factor.”

Mswi says that duties of OHS officers can include the development and implementation of health and safety policies, outlining safe operational procedures, promoting employee health and productivity, assessing and managing risk in the context of occupational health and safety, performing site inspections and safety audits, investigating workplace accidents and safety-related complaints, producing health and safety reports, conducting in-house occupational health and safety training, and staying up-to-date with new developments in health and safety legislation.

“The first port of call for someone considering pursuing a career in OHS, is to investigate the large variety of job opportunities in the field, and then match that to a course that will give them a solid starting point from which to build their career, because there are so many different roles and specialisations within the sector,” he says.

“Doing a short course initially is a good way to get your foot in the door and determine whether OHS suits your skills and interests, because it will give you the knowledge and competency that is core to an OHS job role. We also advise trying to get some practical, on the job experience even while studying, as experience is a key factor in OHS hiring decisions.”

Mswi says for individuals who are able to think clearly, and who are detail-focused, OHS is a great career to pursue, as the possibilities for growth are many and varied, locally and globally.

“With the OHS sector clearly on a growth path, it makes sense for young people starting out in life, or those considering a career change, to give serious consideration to this industry,” says Mswi.

ADvTECH Updates

By Tamara Thomas August 20, 2025
Integrating coding into the early education years of South African students must be flagged as urgent rather than optional – a fact that was made abundantly clear at a recent global EdTech conference, education experts say. “Coding is not just about training the next generation of programmers or preparing students for tech careers, it’s about equipping students with the tools to think critically, create boldly, and collaborate effectively in a world shaped by technology,” says Dr Mario Landman, Head of Education Technology and Innovation at ADvTECH , Africa’s leading private education provider. Landman’s comments come in the wake of ADvTECH’s attendance at the BETT EdTech conference in London, a leading global education technology event which provides best practice insights into the evolving landscape of education and the strategic importance of technology integration. Darren Purdon, Academic Project Manager at ADvTECH, says visits to leading UK schools during the conference demonstrated innovative approaches to technology integration, including coding programmes for young learners and the development of bespoke educational software. “What is clear is that South Africa lags too far behind the rest of the world in integrating coding from an early age. While some leading SA private schools are on par or even ahead of their global peers, the vast majority of students in the public and even private education sector are not being exposed to the fundamentals that will set them up for success.” Landman explains that while it is understandable that within the context of resource and other constraints, students may not have access to the necessary technology, it is also true that the principles of coding can be taught and developed notwithstanding. WHY CODING IS ESSENTIAL As AI continues to rise, becoming ever more capable of routine coding tasks, the question might arise - why bother? “Integrating coding into curricula remains crucial because it fosters computational thinking, a universal skill set that transcends programming,” Landman says. “Coding teaches children how to break down complex problems, think logically, and design solutions systematically - skills that are vital in an AI-driven world where understanding and shaping technology is key. Beyond technical proficiency, coding cultivates creativity and collaboration as kids experiment, iterate, and work together on projects. These abilities prepare them not just to use AI tools but to innovate, adapt, and critically engage with technology.” This is essentially the answer to the question – will AI take my job in the future? “Developing a coder’s mindset ensures that students thrive in a future where human ingenuity complements AI advancements,” Landman points out. “By introducing coding basics from a young age, schools can harness children’s potential and build a foundation for lifelong learning.” GET CODING – REGARDLESS OF RESOURCES Landman says ADvTECH Schools have EdTech frameworks and supporting resources across all schools, with global best practice at their foundation, which ensures consistent, superior student outcomes, in particular with the recent integration of AI-driven and personalised learning tools. However, even in resource-constrained environments, innovative approaches and partnerships can make coding education accessible, he says. “As governments, educators, and communities prioritise digital literacy, the question is not whether coding should be part of education, but rather how quickly we can make it a reality for every child.” Many schools, particularly in underserved areas, face challenges in implementing coding education due to limited access to computers, software, or trained educators. However, innovative approaches can bridge this gap: Unplugged activities, such as using paper-based puzzles to teach algorithms or role-playing as “robots” to understand programming logic, require no technology and can be just as effective for introducing computational thinking. For instance, the CS Unplugged initiative has been adopted in over 50 countries, reaching schools with minimal resources. Low-cost tools like Scratch , a free block-based coding platform, can run on older computers or even tablets, making it accessible for schools with limited budgets. Partnerships with nonprofits such as code.org provide free curricula and training for teachers, reducing the need for specialised staff. For schools with intermittent internet access, offline coding tools like CodeMonkey ’s downloadable lessons or Raspberry Pi kits offer affordable solutions. “Teachers can also integrate coding into existing subjects, such as using data analysis in math or storytelling in language arts, to make it a natural part of the curriculum. Short, focused training sessions can empower teachers to guide students, even if they lack a computer science background,” Landman says. He says introducing coding in the early years is not about funneling every child into a tech career, but about equipping everyone with the basic tools to thrive in a digital future.  “By learning to code, students become exposed to the language their future peers will speak, even if they don’t yet become fluent due to limited resources. By seamlessly integrating coding into early education, whether through high-tech platforms or resource-light unplugged activities, schools can empower every student passing through their doors.”
By Tamara Thomas August 12, 2025
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) JSE code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the group”) VOLUNTARY TRADING STATEMENT FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2025 The board hereby advises on its expectations of the financial results for the six months ended 30 June 2025. The group reports normalised earnings per share ("NEPS") as a way of excluding the effect of one-off transactions and corporate action costs from its results. Basic NEPS, Basic headline earnings per share (“HEPS”) and Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) for the six months ended 30 June 2025 are expected to be between 13% and 18% higher than the comparative reporting period for the six months ended 30 June 2024 ("the comparative period") or between 110.3 and 115.3 cents per share as compared to NEPS and HEPS of 97.7 cents per share and EPS of 97.6 cents per share for the comparative period. The financial information on which this trading update is based has not been reviewed or audited by the group’s external auditors. ADvTECH expects to release results for the six months ended 30 June 2025 on the JSE’s Stock Exchange News Service on or about Monday, 25 August 2025.  12 August 2025 Johannesburg Sponsor: Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited
August 11, 2025
The school group shaping tomorrow’s classrooms across Africa From leafy Johannesburg suburbs to Nairobi’s bustling education corridors, South Africa’s ADvTECH is slowly but surely planting its flag across the continent. This week, the private education powerhouse confirmed it had acquired Regis Runda Academy in Kenya for R172 million, in a bold move that solidifies its ambition to become Africa’s most prominent education group. The new acquisition will operate under the Makini Schools brand and be renamed Makini Schools Runda . With space for up to 2,000 students, the Runda-based school is positioned in one of Nairobi’s most rapidly developing areas. It joins a growing network of six Makini schools in Kenya, all under the ADvTECH umbrella. “We are delighted to increase our Makini Schools footprint in Kenya and to bring the brand’s compelling proposition to parents and students,” said ADvTECH CEO Geoff Whyte. Why Kenya? Why now? Kenya’s private education sector has seen a notable boom over the last decade. With a growing middle class, an appetite for globalised curricula, and increased competition among international and regional schools, Nairobi has become a hotspot for premium education investments. Regis Runda’s acquisition gives ADvTECH strategic access to one of East Africa’s most promising education corridors. Runda, just northeast of Nairobi, is a magnet for upwardly mobile families, making it a prime location for the group’s next flagship school. This isn’t ADvTECH’s first rodeo in Kenya. Its Crawford International brand is already present in the region, alongside its existing Makini campuses. The group is clearly betting big on Kenya, and based on the numbers, it’s a calculated bet. Africa-wide ambitions take shape This latest move follows ADvTECH’s R135 million acquisition of five Flipper International Schools in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, back in November 2024. Add to that its three schools in Gaborone, Botswana, and its soon-to-launch Rosebank International University College in Accra, Ghana — and you start to see a clear pattern emerge. While other South African education brands have focused inward, ADvTECH is going continental. In fact, the new Ghanaian university, expected to open in September 2025, is part of a long-term plan to expand the group’s tertiary education footprint across key African cities. It’s a smart play — following the student journey from nursery to university under one trusted banner. Social media sentiment and local buzz Reactions to the acquisition have been largely positive, with Kenyan parents and education commentators noting the move as “a welcome boost to quality learning options in Nairobi’s northeast.” South African LinkedIn users, meanwhile, applauded ADvTECH’s forward-thinking strategy, with one comment reading: “Love to see a South African brand going global the right way — focusing on quality education and building African futures.” The big picture: South Africa’s export isn’t just wine or gold — it’s education At a time when local universities are grappling with funding challenges and public schooling faces deep systemic issues, the growth of ADvTECH shows that private education remains one of South Africa’s most valuable exports . Its move into other African countries signals something bigger: that local companies don’t need to look to Europe or the US for global growth. The next frontier is right here, on the continent — and the classroom is where the future is being built. Source: Business Tech
By Tamara Thomas August 7, 2025
 ADvTECH acquires Regis Runda Academy in Nairobi 2 000 student capacity school will be integrated into the fast-growing Makini brand
By Tamara Thomas August 7, 2025
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH”) VOLUNTARY ANNOUNCEMENT – ADvTECH acquires established Kenyan based Regis Runda Academy and further expands its footprint in East Africa ADvTECH, Africa’s leading private education provider, has expanded its Makini Schools offering in Nairobi, Kenya, by acquiring Regis Runda Academy for KSh1,23 billion (approximately R172 million). Situated in the fast-developing Runda area, northeast of Nairobi, the school, with a current capacity of 2 000 students and a full K – 12 offering, will be rebranded as Makini Schools Runda. ADvTECH has committed to investing in AI-powered digital learning tools and significant enhancements to sporting facilities at the Regis site to elevate student experience and maximise academic outcomes. In November 2024 ADvTECH acquired Flipper International School in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. These developments reinforce the group’s commitment to providing superior private education across the African continent. Commenting on the acquisition of Regis Runda Academy, ADvTECH CEO, Geoff Whyte said: “We are delighted to increase our Makini Schools footprint in Kenya and to bring the brand’s compelling proposition to parents and students in one of the fastest developing regions of Nairobi.” 7 August 2025 Johannesburg Sponsor: Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited
By Tamara Thomas July 29, 2025
The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE), South Africa’s leading private higher education provider, has set a new benchmark for technology-enabled learning in the country by designing a comprehensive education technology ecosystem with Brightspace, the flagship platform of global EdTech leader D2L, as its foundation. This initiative marks the beginning of a transformative, technology-driven learning experience for over 65,000 students across The IIE’s tertiary education brands and Evolve Online School, representing the largest implementation of the Brightspace platform in South Africa to date. Brightspace is a cutting-edge learning management system (LMS) that moves beyond the limitations of traditional, static content delivery of traditional LMS platforms. It seamlessly integrates advanced digital tools, artificial intelligence, and interactive features to create engaging, data-informed educational experiences. “This strategic investment underscores The IIE’s commitment to redefining higher education in South Africa through innovation, scalability, and student-centric design,” says Louise Wiseman, Managing Director of The IIE ’s Varsity College, Vega & IIE MSA. Brightspace serves over 20 million students globally across schools, higher education institutions, enterprises, and membership organisations. Its adoption by The IIE marks a groundbreaking shift in South Africa’s higher education landscape, as it is among the first platforms of its kind to seamlessly integrate sophisticated content authoring tools, world-class accessibility features, a student-centric design, and advanced learning analytics. “Unlike traditional learning management systems used in South Africa, Brightspace offers a seamless, intuitive user experience with unparalleled customisation and interactivity. Its implementation across The IIE’s portfolio of over 130 programmes, from Higher Certificate to Doctorate level, positions it as a pioneering solution tailored to meet the unique demands of South African students and educators,” says Wiseman. Dr Mario Landman, Head of Education Technology and Innovation at The IIE, says the institution selected Brightspace after an extensive evaluation of the world’s leading LMS platforms. The selection process prioritised feature richness, user experience, scalability and alignment with the organisation’s commitment to delivering an enhanced and future-focused academic product. “Brightspace emerged as the optimal choice as its advanced tools, customisation capabilities and collaborative features perfectly align with our vision of fostering an enriched learning experience for our students and faculty,” he says. Brightspace stands out from other platforms in the South African market due to its innovative features and alignment with modern educational needs. One of its key strengths is its interactive, AI-enhanced content creation tools, which allow educators to develop dynamic course materials - such as videos and gamified elements - without the need for advanced technical expertise. This capability promotes greater student engagement and personalisation of learning by moving beyond the static content delivery model typical of traditional LMS platforms. Additionally, the platform provides Advanced Learning Analytics that enable educators to monitor student progress, identify challenges, and optimise outcomes. This data-driven approach empowers institutions to make informed decisions to enhance teaching and learning. It also supports modern pedagogies, and is scalable and flexible.  “Brightspace is a game-changer for the higher education sector in South Africa, where diverse student populations require tailored educational solutions to ensure each student has the opportunity and ability to perform to the best of their ability, and to ensure consistently superior academic outcomes,” Wiseman says.
By Tamara Thomas July 7, 2025
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) DISPOSAL OF SECURITIES BY CLIENTS OF PUBLIC INVESTMENT CORPORATION SOC LIMITED (“PIC”) AND DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT – VOLUNTARY ANNOUNCEMENT In accordance with section 122(3)(b) of the Companies Act, No. 71 of 2008 as amended and section 3.83(b) of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements, shareholders are hereby advised that ADvTECH has received formal notification in the prescribed form that PIC’s clients have, in aggregate, disposed of an interest in the ordinary shares of the Company, such that the total interest in the ordinary shares of the Company held by PIC’s clients has decreased from 20.550% to 19.641% of the total issued ordinary shares of the Company. In terms of section 122(3)(a) of the Act, the Company has also filed notice with the Takeover Regulation Panel.  The board of directors of ADvTECH accepts responsibility for the information contained in this announcement as it relates to the Company and confirms that, to the best of its knowledge and belief, such information relating to ADvTECH is true and that this announcement does not omit anything likely to affect the importance of such information. Johannesburg 7 July 2025 Sponsor: Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited
By Tamara Thomas July 1, 2025
JSE-listed ADvTECH, Africa’s leading private education provider, is pleased to announce the appointment of John Sikiotis to the role of Group Chief Operating Officer (GCOO), effective 1 August 2025. Sikiotis brings a wealth of experience in strategy, IT, business development and commercial leadership across a wide range of industries in multiple geographies including Africa, the Middle East and Asia. He is a qualified CA(SA) and holds the professional designation of Chartered Financial Analyst. He is also a member of SAICA.  The new role of GCOO has been established to support ADvTECH’s dynamic growth and expanding operations locally and internationally. “John’s strategic expertise and global perspective make him a valuable addition to our leadership team,” commented ADvTECH Group CEO, Geoff Whyte.
By Tamara Thomas June 30, 2025
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) DEALINGS IN SECURITIES BY DIRECTORS, A DIRECTOR OF A MAJOR SUBSIDIARY, PRESCRIBED OFFICERS AND THE GROUP COMPANY SECRETARY In terms of paragraphs 3.63 to 3.74 of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements (“JSE Listings Requirements”), the following transactions, in respect of which prior written approval pursuant to paragraph 3.66 of the JSE Listings Requirements have been obtained, is hereby disclosed.
By Tamara Thomas June 27, 2025
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) DEALINGS IN SECURITIES BY AN ASSOCIATE OF A DIRECTOR OF A MAJOR SUBSIDIARY OF THE COMPANY In compliance with the JSE Limited Listings Requirements the following information is disclosed in respect of dealings in ADvTECH securities by an associate of a Director of a major subsidiary (The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd) of the Company.