SENS Announcement | 18 May 2023

ADvTECH Limited

(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)

(Registration number 1990/001119/06)

Share code: ADH      ISIN: ZAE000031035

(“ADvTECH” or “the Company”)

 

RESULTS OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

In terms of section 3.91 of the JSE Listings Requirements, shareholders are hereby advised that at the annual general meeting (“AGM”) of shareholders of the Company held today, Thursday 18 May 2023, all the proposed ordinary and special resolutions, as set out in the notice of annual general meeting contained in the Integrated Annual Report, were approved by the requisite majority of shareholders present or represented by proxy.

Details of the results of voting at the annual general meeting are as follows:


Ordinary shares:
Total number of issued ordinary shares: 554 459 991
Total number of issued ordinary shares net of treasury shares: 554 459 991
Total Votable Ordinary Shares 554 459 991

The meeting was attended by shareholders representing 424 456 466 ADvTECH shares which amounted to 76.55% of the total ordinary issued share capital of ADvTECH, voting in person or by proxy.


The resolutions proposed at the AGM, together with the percentage of shares abstained (as a percentage of total issued share capital of the Company), as well as the percentage of votes carried for and against each resolution (as a percentage of shares voted), are as follows:


1.         Ordinary resolution number 1: Adoption of annual financial statements

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
423 177 374 568 359 710 733
99.87% 0.13% 0.13%

2.          Ordinary resolution number 2: Confirmation of appointment of DL Smith

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
421 967 913 1 540 964 947 589
99.64% 0.36% 0.17%

3.         Ordinary resolution number 3: Confirmation of appointment of SW van Graan

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
421 967 913 1 540 556 947 997
99.64% 0.36% 0.17%

4.          Ordinary resolution number 4: Confirmation of appointment of A Watson

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
411 726 781 11 781 688 947 997
97.22% 2.78% 0.17%

5.          Ordinary resolution number 5: Re-election of C Boulle

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
408 997 997 14 510 472 947 997
96.57% 3.43% 0.17%

6.          Ordinary resolution number 6: Re-election of CB Thomson

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
421 959 521 1 549 356 947 589
99.63% 0.37% 0.17%

7.          Ordinary resolution number 7: Re-election of MM Nkosi

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
423 486 959 1 710 967 797
100% 0.00% 0.17%

8.           Ordinary resolution number 8: Extension of C Boulle’s appointment

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
408 986 997 14 501 672 967 797
96.58% 3.42% 0.17%

9.           Ordinary resolution number 9: Re-election of KDM Warburton as member and chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
421 947 148 1 550 321 958 997
99.63% 0.37% 0.17%

10.           Ordinary resolution number 10: Re-election of JS Chimhanzi as member of the Audit and Risk Committee

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
409 249 687 14 248 190 958 589
96.64% 3.36% 0.17%

11.           Ordinary resolution number 11: Re-election of CB Thomson as member of the Audit and Risk Committee

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
421 948 521 1 549 356 958 589
99.63% 0.37% 0.17%

12.           Ordinary resolution number 12: Election of A Watson as member of the Audit and Risk Committee

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
411 715 781 11 781 688 958 997
97.22% 2.78% 0.17%

13.           Ordinary resolution number 13: Appointment of external auditors

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
423 772 661 1 618 682 187
100% 0.00% 0.12%

14.               Ordinary resolution number 14: Signature of documents

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
423 772 104 2 175 682 187
100% 0.00% 0.12%

15.         Non-binding advisory vote number 1 – Remuneration policy

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
408 163 247 15 602 102 691 117
96.32% 3.68% 0.12%

16.         Non-binding advisory vote number 2 – Implementation report

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
410 638 846 13 135 303 682 317
96.90% 3.10% 0.12%

17.        Special resolution number 1: Approval of non-executive directors’ fees

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
423 713 002 63 347 680 117
99.99% 0.01% 0.12%

18.          Special resolution number 2: Authority to give loans or financial assistance to subsidiaries and related or inter-related companies 

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
416 872 138 6 912 046 672 282
98.37% 1.63% 0.12%

19.        Special resolution number 3: General authority to acquire the company’s own shares

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
405 315 740 18 469 409 671 317
95.64% 4.36% 0.12%

In a business update to shareholders at the AGM, Group CEO, Roy Douglas, indicated that the business has maintained its positive momentum and performing in line with expectations.


Enrolment numbers across schools and tertiary divisions, as published in March 2023, were pleasing. Enrolments in the rest of Africa maintained double digit growth. The Group is also encouraged by the completion of the remediation work relating to debtors within the tertiary division which arose in the prior year. The Group has collected R245m of the tertiary debtors that were outstanding at the year-end, and the system issues have been largely resolved.



The economic environment remains challenging with the combination of sustained loadshedding, rising interest rates and inflationary pressures negatively impacting consumers. However, the business remains well positioned and sufficiently robust to continue delivering in line with its strategy.

 

18 May 2023

Sandton

Sponsor: Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited


ADvTECH Updates

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.
By Tamara Thomas June 27, 2025
It is undeniable that AI in education, even though still in relative infancy, has a multiplier effect on student outcomes. An overview of the substantial impact of individualised learning on student performance over the past few years, combined with an insight into daily advances in real life, has the potential to raise concern about the role of human educators in classrooms. Are teachers becoming obsolete? Not quite. While it is true that AI’s role is growing by the day, it is in fact not replacing teachers, but rather changing the role of teachers, an education expert says. “We have, over the past 3 years, seen a 20% improvement in student performance, with AI and individualised learning having become the order of the day,” says Desiree Hugo, Academic Head at ADvTECH Schools. AI in education isn’t a case of students having access to ChatGPT – it is a vastly more considered strategy leveraging proprietary tools and platforms. ADvTECH’s ADvLEARN Intelligent Tutoring System is a prime example, utilising AI to craft individualised learning paths that allow students to advance at their own speed. This system empowers data-guided instruction while fostering independent learning across various subjects. “Adaptive learning technologies leverage data-driven analysis to personalise educational content, pacing, and assessments based on each student's unique needs. These solutions, which include intelligent tutoring systems and learning management platforms, enable educators to tailor instruction efficiently without increasing their workload, when integrated effectively,” says Hugo. “For students, this creates a customised, engaging, and encouraging experience, whether they’re building core skills or exploring complex topics. For educators, it delivers real-time insights to refine teaching approaches, ensuring all students achieve progress.” AI systems are fast moving in the direction of students being able to learn completely independently, which then raises the question – what about the teachers? Will in-person schools still be a thing? Or will future learning consist of young people working alone, in front of their screens? “Adopting best international practices in AI implementation is critical to staying at the forefront of educational excellence. However, the narrative around AI in education must be clear: AI is a powerful tool to support, not replace, teachers,” says Hugo. “The human element in teaching, in particular empathy, creativity, and mentorship, remains irreplaceable, and AI’s role is to enhance these supportive opportunities, ensuring teachers remain central to the learning experience, while time-consuming repetitive tasks become the domain of AI.” The integration of AI into education really is a best-case scenario, allowing overworked teachers to get back to their unique strengths, Hugo says. WHY TEACHERS WILL REMAIN AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE While AI excels at processing data and delivering personalised content, it lacks the human qualities that ensures an exceptional, holistic education. In the age of AI, the role of teachers will remain important in the following areas: Emotional connection and empathy - Learning is deeply human, driven by relationships. Teachers understand students’ emotional needs, motivate them through challenges, and celebrate their successes. No algorithm can replicate the encouragement of a teacher who notices a student’s potential or the trust built through years of mentorship. Fostering creativity and critical thinking - AI can provide information, but teachers guide students to question, innovate, and think critically. In a world increasingly shaped by AI, skills like ethical reasoning, collaboration, and creative problem-solving, nurtured by teachers, are essential. Curricula, like the IEB, IB and Cambridge systems, emphasize these skills, and ADvTECH’s commitment to global standards positions its teachers as key drivers of this development. Cultural and contextual nuance - South Africa’s diverse educational landscape requires teachers who understand local contexts, languages, and cultural dynamics. Teachers bridge the gap between AI and real-life context, ensuring learning is relevant and inclusive. “The fear that AI will replace teachers stems from a misunderstanding of its purpose, combined with the stunning realisation of its ability to improve student outcomes. But AI is not a substitute for human connection. Rather, it is a catalyst for unlocking teacher potential. It empowers teachers to do what they do best: inspire, guide, and transform lives.  “Imagine a classroom where AI handles repetitive tasks, provides real-time student insights, and suggests tailored resources, while the teacher focuses on sparking debates, nurturing talents, and building confidence. This is the future that educational institutions must champion - a future where technology supports human excellence, not replaces it.”
By Tamara Thomas June 25, 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 A PRESCRIBED OFFICER AND THE COMPANY SECRETARY 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 and the Company Secretary of the Company.
By Tamara Thomas June 23, 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 PRESCRIBED OFFICERS AND ASSOCIATE OF 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 ADvTECH Prescribed Officers and an associate of a Prescribed Officer.
By Tamara Thomas June 20, 2025
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH”) DEALINGS IN SECURITIES BY PRESCRIBED OFFICERS, A DIRECTOR OF A MAJOR SUBSIDIARY, AND COMPANY SECRETARY: SHARE VESTING In compliance with the JSE Limited Listings Requirements, the following transactions relating to prescribed officers, director of a major subsidiary and company secretary dealings are hereby disclosed, in terms of the provisions of the ADvTECH Management Share Incentive Scheme (MSI), regarding performance and retention shares that have vested after 3 years.
By Tamara Thomas June 19, 2025
Community law clinics play a vital role in ensuring access to justice in South Africa, annually serving thousands of people who are unable to afford legal services and representation. In response to the overwhelming demand for these lifeline services, SA’s leading private higher education provider has been steadfastly expanding its footprint of law clinics across the country, culminating in the recent launch of a mega-clinic in Randburg. The IIE Varsity College’s Randburg Community Law Clinic is a game-changer for the community, says Soretha Venter, senior attorney and Director of the clinics in the region. “It’s our most ambitious effort yet to bridge the gap in access to justice, ensuring marginalised individuals can exercise their legal rights while equipping our students with real-world skills,” Venter says. “Law clinics like ours promote fairness, equality, the rule of law, and transform lives by providing essential legal services while empowering our students to become empathetic, skilled legal professionals dedicated to social justice.” Venter says community law clinics play a pivotal role in addressing the systemic barriers to justice faced by underserved populations, particularly in South Africa, where economic disparities often limit access to legal services for many vulnerable citizens. “These clinics provide free legal advice, mediation services, and representation in matters such as family disputes, housing issues, employment conflicts, and consumer rights, empowering individuals who cannot afford private attorneys. By bridging this gap, law clinics ensure fair and equitable treatment for all, uphold human rights, and promote social cohesion by providing avenues for resolving disputes and addressing grievances.” Beyond resolving individual cases, they foster social justice through community outreach, offering workshops and campaigns on critical issues like domestic violence and discrimination, which educate the public and enhance awareness of legal protections. “The benefits to communities extend beyond immediate legal solutions, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and social change. Law clinics not only resolve disputes but also build trust in the legal system by providing accessible, compassionate support. They advocate for systemic improvements, collaborating with nonprofits and government agencies to address broader societal challenges,” Venter says. For instance, initiatives like family law mediation and post-litigation support for clients, as planned by the IIE Varsity College Randburg mega-clinic, offer sustainable solutions for low-income families. By equipping communities with knowledge and resources, these clinics strengthen social cohesion and promote a culture of justice, ensuring lasting impact for individuals and society as a whole. In addition to providing communities with free legal representation and support, law clinics ensure that SA’s future legal practitioners receive a real-world, holistic education. This year, more than 120 final-year students from three campuses will gain hands-on experience at the Randburg clinic, under the supervision of experienced attorneys. Groups of around eight students at a time work Monday through Thursday, immersing themselves in consultations, legal drafting, research, and court visits. “Students are exposed to every facet of a real law firm. This practical training not only hones their skills in client interaction and case management but also instils a deep sense of social responsibility,” says Venter, adding that the clinic prepares students for South Africa’s unique legal landscape while fostering a commitment to pro bono work. The Randburg mega clinic boasts 3 attorneys’ offices, 4 candidate legal practitioner spaces, a boardroom with state of the art digital and online facilities and 4 consultation rooms. It currently has 2 full time attorneys, 2 candidate legal practitioners and a legal intern, and the team will be growing in months to come. Since its launch, it has received 105 applications, of which 43 are still active matters that are attended to on a daily basis. It is expected that these numbers will have doubled by the end of 2025.  The Randburg mega-clinic builds on the success of IIE Varsity College’s earlier clinics established in Durban North (2022), Pretoria (April 2024), and Cape Town (July 2024). Another clinic is set to open in Nelson Mandela Bay in August 2025.
By Tamara Thomas June 10, 2025
Monde Nkosi presents his latest episode of the Education Investment Podcast in video on YouTube and audio on Spotify, Apple and all major podcast platforms https://linktr.ee/educationinvestment?utm_source=linktree_admin_share In this episode, Leading a Schools and Higher Education Group with Geoff Whyte (CEO of ADvTECH Group), we explore leadership in a combined schools and higher education group serving more than 100,000 students across multiple countries including South Africa, Kenya, Botswana and Ethiopia. Geoff presents his investment and social impact case for ADvTECH and independent education. Geoff also shares some personal stories about his journey from growing up in Scotland; to living and working in multiple countries including England, Russia and the Netherlands; and moving to South Africa in the late 1990s. 
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