SENS Announcement | 3 November 2015
RIGHTS OFFER DECLARATION ANNOUNCEMENT AND REVISED DATES AND TIMES
ADvTECH Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration number 1990/001119/06)
Share Code: ADH
ISIN: ZAE000031035
("ADvTECH" or the "Company")
NOT FOR PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN RESPECT OF WHICH THE PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION OR IN RESPECT OF WHICH THE OFFERING CONTEMPLATED BY THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS UNLAWFUL. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR FORM PART OF ANY OFFER OR INVITATION TO PURCHASE, OTHERWISE ACQUIRE, SUBSCRIBE FOR, SELL, OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF OR PURCHASE ANY SECURITY IN ANY JURISDICTION.
RIGHTS OFFER DECLARATION ANNOUNCEMENT AND REVISED DATES AND TIMES
INTRODUCTION
ADvTECH shareholders are referred to the announcement released on the Stock Exchange News Service ("SENS") on Monday, 7 September 2015 in which the Company declared its intention to undertake a renounceable rights offer to its shareholders ("rights offer") to raise up to R850 million. A condition precedent to the rights offer requires that the special resolutions which approved the increase of authorised share capital and amendments to Memorandum of Incorporation be registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission ("CIPC"). Confirmation of registration has not yet been received from CIPC and as such the timetable below has been amended to facilitate the confirmation of registration.
BACKGROUND TO AND RATIONALE FOR THE RIGHTS OFFER
ADvTECH shareholders were advised in the ADvTECH Group's interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2015 that the board was considering the optimal capital structure for the ADvTECH Group and formulating a financing strategy that would allow the Group to support an accelerated growth strategy in the most efficient manner.
To implement the rights offer, the Company was required to obtain shareholder approval to increase its authorised but unissued share capital and to place sufficient unissued shares under the control of the Board to undertake the rights offer. This shareholder approval was obtained on Tuesday, 13 October 2015.
Central to the Board's strategy are the sustained and consistent growth of operations both locally and in sub-Saharan Africa and development of the present project pipeline. The acquisition of the Gaborone International School in Botswana concluded earlier this year signalled the Company's intent to pursue growth opportunities outside South Africa, while implementation of the acquisition of the Centurus and Maravest Schools groups alongside organic growth initiatives have materially increased ADvTECH's schools footprint within the country. The Tertiary division has resumed a growth strategy and is developing new organic and acquisitive investment opportunities in this sector.
As a result of ADvTECH's standard working capital cycle and seasonal cash variations, ADvTECH's borrowings are expected to increase from ZAR1.7 billion to ca. ZAR1.9 billion by calendar year end, assuming the addition of no new projects beyond the previously announced ZAR3.0 billion rolling capital expansion programme ("the announced programme").
Current ADvTECH Group debt facilities total ca. ZAR1.8 billion consisting of a Bridge Facility, a Revolving Credit Facility ("RCF") and an Overdraft Facility.
The ZAR350 million RCF has been fully drawn to fund capital work in progress;
The RCF is complemented by an overdraft facility with a current limit of ZAR122 million; and
The Bridge Facility of ZAR1 350 million has been fully utilised for capital expenditure and recent acquisitions.
Covenants in place allow for indebtedness of ZAR1.9 billion, leaving limited headroom to pursue incremental growth opportunities above and beyond the announced programme. At present management has identified near-term organic and acquisitive-led investment opportunities totalling almost ZAR1.0 billion that are over and above the board-approved projects already recorded.
Aside from creating a flexible capital structure that will enable the Company to pursue accelerated growth opportunities most efficiently, the Board believes it necessary to refinance existing facilities so as to reflect more accurately the seasonality of its funding requirements, improve the match between the nature of investment and the sources of capital, and lower its overall cost of capital.
With this in mind, and having reviewed in detail its financing options, the Board has decided to pursue a capital increase by way of a rights offer of up to ZAR850 million. Funds raised will be used to reduce and restructure current indebtedness, fund capital projects and planned acquisitions and ensure that ADvTECH is adequately positioned to execute on further growth opportunities identified from evaluation of the growing deal flow available at present.
THE RIGHTS OFFER
3.1 SALIENT TERMS
In terms of the rights offer, 75,555,556 new ADvTECH ordinary shares ("rights offer shares") will be offered to ADvTECH shareholders recorded in ADvTECH's share register at the close of business on Friday, 20 November 2015 ("record date"), at a subscription price of R11.25 cents per rights offer share, in the ratio of 16.59818 rights offer shares for every 100 ADvTECH ordinary shares held.
The subscription price per rights offer share represents a 10% discount to the 30 day volume weighted average price of ADvTECH ordinary shares listed on the JSE Limited ("JSE") as at the close of business on Wednesday, 21 October 2015, being the date on which the rights offer was priced.
Shareholders holding shares that are cum rights the last day to trade, being Friday, 13 November 2015, will be entitled to trade their rights in the form of letters of allocation. The letters of allocation will be listed and commence trading on the JSE on Monday, 16 November 2015. The relevant dates are set out in the table below.
The rights offer shares issued will rank pari passu with the existing issued ordinary shares of ADvTECH.
- REVISED SALIENT DATES AND TIMES
2015 | |
---|---|
Special resolution to approve the increase in authorised share capital registered with CIPC by | Monday, 9 November |
Finalisation announcement to be published on SENS by 11:00 | Tuesday, 10 November |
Last day to trade in ADvTECH ordinary shares in order to participate in the rights offer (cum entitlement) | Friday, 13 November |
ADvTECH ordinary shares commence trading ex-entitlement at 09:00 | Monday, 16 November |
Listing of and trading in the letters of allocation on the JSE commences at 09:00 | Monday, 16 November |
Rights offer circular and form of instruction posted to certificated ADvTECH shareholders | Tuesday, 17 November |
Record date for the rights offer | Friday, 20 November |
Rights offer opens at 09:00 | Monday, 23 November |
Letters of allocation credited to an electronic account created by the transfer secretaries in respect of holders of certificated shares | Monday, 23 November |
CSDP or broker accounts credited with entitlements in respect of holders of dematerialised shares | Monday, 23 November |
Rights offer circular posted to dematerialised shareholders who have elected to receive such documents | Tuesday, 24 November |
Last day for trading letters of allocation on the JSE | Friday, 27 November |
Listing of rights offer shares and trading therein on the JSE commences at 09:00 | Monday, 30 November |
Rights offer closes at 12:00 | Friday, 4 December |
Record date for the letters of allocation | Friday, 4 December |
Rights offer shares issued on or about | Monday, 7 December |
CSDP or broker accounts in respect of holders of dematerialised shares debited and updated with rights offer shares and share certificates posted to certificated shareholders by registered post on or about | Monday, 7 December |
Results of the rights offer released on SENS | Monday, 7 December |
Results of the rights offer published in the press | Tuesday, 8 December |
CSDP or broker accounts in respect of holders of dematerialised shares debited and updated with any excess shares allocated and share certificates posted to certificated shareholders by registered post on or about | Wednesday, 9 December |
Refund cheques posted to holders of certificated shares in respect of unsuccessful applications | Wednesday, 9 December |
Notes:
All times shown in this circular are South African local times.
These dates and times are subject to change. Any material changes will be released on SENS.
Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Monday, 16 November 2015 and Friday, 20 November 2015, both days inclusive.
3.3 IRREVOCABLE UNDERTAKINGS AND UNDERWRITING COMMITMENTS
The following ADvTECH shareholders have irrevocably undertaken to follow their rights in terms of the rights offer as set out below:
Name of shareholder | Number of ordinary shares held in ADvTECH before the rights offer | Number of rights offer shares | % of rights offer shares |
---|---|---|---|
Coronation | 116,997,675 | 19,419,489 | 25.7% |
Visio Capital | 41,970,000 | 6,966,258 | 9.2% |
Kyocraft | 33,678,494 | 5,333,333 | 7.1% |
Total | 192,646,169 | 31,719,080 | 42.0% |
In addition, the rights offer has been partially underwritten by Coronation and Visio Capital. In terms of the underwriting agreements, Coronation and Visio Capital have provided ADvTECH with irrevocable undertakings to underwrite 16,136,067 and 16,063,742 rights offer shares respectively, (being R362.2 million in aggregate).
In aggregate, the irrevocable undertakings and underwriting commitments cover 63,918,889 of the 75,555,556 rights offer shares, representing 88% of the shares being offered.
3.4 EXCESS APPLICATIONS
ADvTECH shareholders will have the right to apply for any excess rights offer shares not taken up by other shareholders subject to such rights being transferable upon renunciation of the letters of allocation, and any such excess shares will be attributed equitably, taking cognisance of the number of shares and rights held by the shareholder just prior to such allocation, including those taken up as a result of the rights offer, and the number of excess rights offer shares applied for by such shareholder.
3.5 FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS
Introduction
Foreign shareholders may be affected by the rights offer, having regard to prevailing laws in their relevant jurisdictions. Such foreign shareholders should inform themselves about and observe any applicable legal requirements of such jurisdiction in relation to all aspects of the rights offer circular that may affect them, including the rights offer. It is the responsibility of each foreign shareholder to satisfy himself as to the full observation of the laws and regulatory requirements of the relevant foreign jurisdiction in connection with the rights offer, including the obtaining of any governmental, exchange or other consents or the making of any filing which may be required, the compliance with other necessary formalities and the payment of any issue, transfer or other taxes or other requisite payments due in such jurisdiction. The rights offer is governed by the laws of South Africa and is subject to applicable laws and regulations, including the Exchange Control Regulations.
Affected foreign shareholders
Any ADvTECH shareholder who is in doubt as to his position with respect to the rights offer in any jurisdiction, including, without limitation, his tax status, should consult an appropriate independent professional advisor in the relevant jurisdiction without delay. Foreign shareholders are reminded that they may dispose of their ADvTECH ordinary shares on or prior to the last day to trade, in which case they will not participate in the rights offer.
Foreign shareholders accordingly must take their own advice on whether they are entitled, after the rights offer, to continue beneficially to hold any ADvTECH ordinary shares distributed to them and take the appropriate action in accordance with that advice.
Note to U.S. shareholders
The rights offer shares will not be registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any U.S. state securities laws. Neither the SEC nor any U.S. federal or state securities commission has registered, approved or disapproved the rights offer shares or passed comment or opinion upon the accuracy or adequacy of the circular to be issued by ADvTECH in respect of the rights offer. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the U.S.
ADvTECH shareholders who are citizens or residents of the U.S. are advised that the rights offer shares have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Sale of letters of allocation
It is the responsibility of any person outside the common monetary area (including, without limitation, nominees, agents and trustees for such persons) wishing to take up rights offer shares under the rights offer, to satisfy themselves as to full observance of the applicable laws of any relevant territory, including obtaining any requisite governmental or other consents, observing any other requisite formalities and paying any issue, transfer or other taxes due in such territories.
If a premium can be obtained over the expenses of the sale, the rights of ADvTECH shareholders in the jurisdictions in which it is illegal to make an offer will be sold by the transfer secretaries on the JSE for the benefit of such ADvTECH shareholders, in accordance with this section. Any premium over the expenses of the sale of the rights of ADvTECH shareholders in these jurisdictions (including applicable taxes, brokerage fees and commissions) shall be remitted to such ADvTECH shareholders.
None of ADvTECH, the transfer secretaries or any broker appointed by them or ADvTECH, will have any obligation or be responsible for any loss or damage whatsoever in relation to, or arising out of, the timing of such sales or the remittance of the net proceeds of such sales.
3.6 DISTRIBUTION OF CIRCULAR
ADvTECH shareholders are advised that a circular containing full details of the rights offer will be posted on the dates set out in paragraph 3.2 above.
Johannesburg
3 November 2015
Sole bookrunner, financial advisor and transaction sponsor
Absa Bank Limited (acting through its Corporate and Investment Banking Division)
Legal adviser
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr
Sponsor
Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited
ADvTECH Updates

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.

Commenting on the six months ended 30 th June 2025, ADvTECH CEO, Geoff Whyte said: “Healthy enrolment growth, moderate fee increases, improved debtors control and continued margin improvement contributed to ADvTECH delivering another strong set of results.” “In the six months under review, we continued to build competitive advantage by investing in superior technology to enhance teaching and learning, further cementing our position as the leading provider of private education on the African continent.” Group: Operational and Financial Performance Revenue up 10% to R4 683 million (2024: R4 274 million) Operating profit up 14% to R982 million (2024: R865 million) Operating margin improved to 21.0% (2024: 20.2%) Normalised earnings per share increased by 16% to 113.0 cents (2024: 97.7 cents) Group revenue grew by 10% to R4 683 million for the six months ended 30 th June 2025 (2024: R4 274 million), driven by a 13% increase in the education division. Group operating profit increased by 14% to R982 million (2024: R865 million), with the education division’s operating profit increasing by 15%, supported by strong enrolment growth. Group operating margin improved to 21.0% (2024: 20.2%). Operating margin in the education divisions improved to 23.8% (2024: 23.5%) through the benefit of operating leverage and a continued focus on efficiencies. This more than offset the additional costs incurred to strengthen our brands through the introduction of additional global benchmarking measures, artificial intelligence tools to support personalised learning and enhanced student information systems. Normalised earnings for the period increased by 16% to R620 million (2024: R535 million) while normalised earnings per share increased by 16% to 113.0 cents (2024: 97.7 cents) per share. A continued focus on collection processes has seen gross trade receivables increasing by only 3% compared to a revenue increase of 10%. Loss allowances decreased to R488 million (2024: R494 million) , due to improved collections and favourable aging of the debtors’ book. Cash generated by operating activities increased by 18% to R2 303 million (2024: R1 959 million). Capital expenditure of R327 million was focused mainly on increasing capacity at existing sites to meet incremental demand. Dividend Announcement The board is pleased to declare an interim dividend of 45.0 cents (2024: 38.0 cents) per ordinary share in respect of the six months ended 30 th June 2025. Divisions: Operational and Financial Performance Schools South Africa Robust enrolment growth driving strong financial performance Revenue increased by 11% to R1 722 million (2024: R1 556 million) with all brands showing enrolment growth. Operating profit increased by 12% to R354 million (2024: R316 million) with operating margin improving to 20.6% (2024: 20.3%), benefiting from scale leverage. Strong enrolment growth at Pinnacle College Raslouw has necessitated the accelerated build out of the school. Pinnacle College Ridgeview opened in Roodeport in January and is performing in line with expectations.

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.”

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

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

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

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.