Mixing business with humanities: empowering graduates requires curricula reform

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 A PRESCRIBED OFFICER 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 ADvTECH Prescribed Officer.

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 A PRESCRIBED OFFICER OF THE COMPANY In compliance with the JSE Limited Listings Requirements the following information is disclosed in respect of dealings in ADvTECH securities by a Prescribed Officer.

The Annual Resolute Roboticon took place on Saturday, 13 September, at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria North, attracting over 3,000 entries from schools across South Africa. Only 360 students were selected to compete, making participation an achievement. The Community Schools Group proudly fielded 12 teams across five competitive categories, representing the Pinnacle Colleges brand: Pinnacle College Waterfall (3 teams) Pinnacle College Rynfield (4 teams) Pinnacle College Linden (1 team) Pinnacle College Kyalami (1 team) Tyger Valley College (3 teams) Our students achieved outstanding results: · Pinnacle College Linden – 1st place in the Advanced Category · Tyger Valley College – 2nd place in both Advanced and Apprentice 3 categories · Tyger Valley College – 3rd place in the Entrepreneurship Category “These achievements underscore the growing impact of Robotics and Coding within the Pinnacle Colleges brand. By immersing students in real-world problem-solving, opportunities such as Roboticon empower learners to thrive in an exceptional and future-focused technology space,” said Altie van Schalkwyk, Academic Head of Brand – Community Schools Group. Initiatives like Roboticon reflect how Pinnacle Colleges are promoting a culture of innovation, preparing students to lead confidently in a technology-driven world.

Children are naturally curious. Whether it’s watching a bug crawl across the floor, splashing in a puddle, or asking “why” countless times in an hour, their world is filled with questions. This curiosity is more than just a phase. It is the foundation of learning and confidence, and should form the starting point for learning at home and at school. Zaakirah Mahomed, Academic Advisor: Foundation Phase at ADvTECH, Africa’s largest private education provider, says Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) is an approach that harnesses children’s innate sense of wonder. “It transforms everyday questions into meaningful discoveries, sparking a lifelong love for learning. For this reason, it is important that when choosing your child’s first school, you ensure the school’s approach is based on harnessing inquiry-based learning, not just handing down of facts. The latter carries a risk that learning is viewed as work from a young age, which can negatively influence attitudes to learning throughout the child’s life.” In a classroom rooted in inquiry, children are not simply passive recipients of facts. Instead, they are encouraged to wonder, explore, and investigate. “Rather than memorising information, learners might explore why leaves change colour, how magnets work, or what creates a rainbow. Guided by their teachers, they investigate these ideas through hands-on activities, experiments, and creative projects. The learning feels like play, but the impact is powerful,” Mahomed says. Research underscores the effectiveness of Inquiry-Based Learning in fostering deeper understanding and retention. A meta-analysis of 54 studies published in American Psychological Association’s Journal of Educational Psychology found that students engaged in IBL demonstrated significantly higher levels of conceptual understanding in science compared to those taught through traditional methods. By actively exploring questions and constructing knowledge through guided investigations, children develop a stronger grasp of complex concepts, as they connect new information to their own experiences and curiosity. This approach not only enhances academic performance but also cultivates a mindset of inquiry that prepares students for lifelong learning, the analysis found. The importance of IBL is further highlighted by its alignment with 21st-century skills. According to a 2020 report by the World Economic Forum, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity are among the top skills needed in the modern workforce. IBL directly supports the development of these competencies by encouraging children to ask questions, analyse evidence, and collaborate on solutions. “By engaging in inquiry-driven tasks, such as designing experiments or debating hypotheses, students build the intellectual flexibility and resilience needed to navigate an increasingly complex world,” Mahomed notes. IMMEDIATE BENEFITS FOR YOUR CHILD Inquiry-Based Learning isn’t just about preparing children for the future, however. “IBL fosters engagement, curiosity, and confidence from the very start. Children are encouraged to experiment, make mistakes, and try again. Helping them to see that errors are simply stepping-stones to discovery,” says Mahomed. “When learners test how water flows through a funnel or why a toy rolls differently on tile compared to carpet, they are building critical thinking skills. These problem-solving abilities help them not only with schoolwork, but also in everyday life.” IBL also nurtures collaboration and communication. As children work in small groups or pairs, they learn to share ideas, listen to others, and work as a team. “Even the quietest child can find their voice when their question leads to an exciting experiment or project,” she notes. CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL When selecting a school, parents should look for one that prioritises inquiry as part of its teaching and learning approach. Such schools encourage curiosity-driven lessons, creativity, and real-world problem-solving. “Outstanding foundation phase schools place a strong emphasis on Inquiry-Based Learning and student agency. They proceed from the belief that children should have a voice and choice in their learning, because by taking ownership of their questions and discoveries, children build independence and confidence,” Mahomed says. “Parents can be assured that this approach does more than prepare children academically. It equips them with the resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills they need to thrive in a fast-changing world.”

Crawford International Pretoria was buzzing with excitement on Tuesday, 9 September, when one of South Africa’s premier radio breakfast shows, 947’s Anele and the Club, broadcast live from our sports field. The day kicked off bright and early at 06:00 with games, quizzes, and prizes that had everyone involved. From Grade 0000 to Grade 12, our students embraced the challenge—taking part in games of chance, mental agility, and physical skill. The atmosphere was vibrant, colourful, and filled with energy, bringing the entire Crawford International Pretoria community together. A special highlight of the morning was a surprise performance by renowned South African singer, songwriter, and record producer Jeremy Loops, joined on stage by Sibongiseni of the legendary Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Their live performance was nothing short of unforgettable. And to top it all off—we won R50 000 for our school! It was a day to remember, showcasing our unique spirit, talent, and stories to the whole of Gauteng. We truly showed what it means to be #ProudlyCrawfordian. 

JSE-listed ADvTECH has announced the launch of Emeris, a groundbreaking new private higher education brand that will bring the Varsity College, Vega School, and MSA brands together under a single name. One aspect of the change is the building of a state-of-the-art R420m mega campus in Sandton, Johannesburg. This development will bring the existing Varsity College Sandton and Vega Bordeaux operations together on the same site. It will open its doors in 2026 with an initial capacity of 9,000 students. Facilities will include a double-storey library and information centre, a student experience hub with career and counselling services, a custom-designed indoor sports centre capable of hosting international events and innovation spaces including IT labs, podcast studios and interactive mock classrooms.

Varsity College, Vega, and MSA unite under a bold new brand The Independent Institute of Education (IIE) has announced the launch of Emeris, a groundbreaking new private higher education brand that will bring the Varsity College, Vega School, and MSA brands together under a single name. The new entity will officially launch in 2026. The consolidation under the new name comes as South Africa prepares for legislative reforms that will, for the first time, allow private institutions that meet defined criteria to be recognised as universities.

The ADvTECH Group (ADvTECH), Africa’s leading private education provider, today officially opened Rosebank International University College (RIUC) in Accra, Ghana, marking the group’s first university opening outside South Africa.  Student registrations opened on 15 August, with the inaugural academic semester set to begin in January 2026. Strategically located in Accra’s prestigious Airport Residential Area, the RIUC campus offers accredited qualifications from diplomas to doctoral degrees in high-demand fields including Business Administration, Digital Marketing, IT, Service Management, and Hospitality. “We are delighted to bring our highly successful Rosebank College brand to Ghana and expand our university footprint outside of South Africa for the first time,” said ADvTECH Group CEO Geoff Whyte.

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