Edu Invest unlocks R907 million in education infrastructure investment across the Western Cape

Statement by Minister Jaco Londt, Minister of Education Western Cape

Edu Invest, a catalytic project funded by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) and powered by Wesgro, is marking three years since its inception.

That is three years of driving investment into education, mobilising corporate social investment (CSI), and strengthening collaboration across the sector.

The project has marked numerous achievements since its establishment in 2023, including:

• Facilitated R907 million in education infrastructure investment.
• Supported the launch of 18 projects comprising 11 schools and education campuses, one higher education campus, two skills training centres, two early childhood development (ECD) centres and two literacy hubs. These projects have supported nearly 6000 learners and contributed to 362 job opportunities.
• Developed a pipeline of potential investments valued at R8 billion. 

Supported projects include Apex High School campuses in Kayamandi, Paarl and Pinelands; SPARK Schools' new primary school in Blue Downs; Christel House South Africa's additional high school in Ottery; and Calling Academy in Paarl, among others.

These successes demonstrate Edu Invest's role in positioning education as an economic imperative, building the business case for investment that delivers both social and economic returns while contributing to job creation, skills development, and a future-ready workforce across the Western Cape.

Wrenelle Stander, Wesgro CEO, said: “The R907 million milestone speaks to the progress Edu Invest has made in just three years. What is particularly encouraging is the growing appetite from investors and businesses to be part of the solution. Edu Invest is creating a platform for these partnerships to translate into real projects that expand access to quality education and strengthen the province’s long-term competitiveness.”

Edu Invest's work is guided by a four-pronged mandate: facilitating investment in new education infrastructure development, mobilising CSI funding towards education priorities, connecting stakeholders through strategic engagements and sector intelligence, and advocating for education as a viable investment opportunity.

Strengthening education through collaboration

Beyond infrastructure, the project has established partnerships with leading corporates to direct CSI funding towards priority areas, including teacher development, educational resources, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) interventions.

Central to Edu Invest's progress has been its partnership with the WCED, helping align private sector investment with provincial education priorities, and foster collaboration between government, education operators, investors, and funding partners.

Western Cape Minister of Education, Jaco Londt, said: “Congratulations to Edu Invest on a remarkable three years of driving investment where it’s needed most: our children. Edu Invest has shown that when the private sector and the WCED work towards shared priorities, investment becomes classrooms, workshops and laboratories that create hope and opportunities. I am excited to see what we can achieve over the next few years, especially where we can drive investment towards the skills our province needs most and that leads to tangible impact across our communities.”

Building an investment pipeline for the future

Looking ahead, Edu Invest has developed a pipeline of more than 60 infrastructure investment leads, with over 80% focused on affordable schools, responding to growing demand for accessible, quality education across the Western Cape.

These projects represent an estimated R8 billion in potential investment over the next three to five years, subject to funding and implementation.

In support of the WCED’s priorities, Edu Invest will also work with partners to identify investment opportunities in technical high schools and schools with a focus on mathematics and science.

With continued interest from corporates and philanthropic organisations, Edu Invest's priority is to convert these opportunities into projects that expand access to education and deliver lasting economic and social benefits.

As Edu Invest enters its fourth year, its focus remains on unlocking investment across the education value chain, from early childhood development and basic education to higher education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, and skills development.

This approach recognises that strengthening education outcomes requires investment at every stage of the learning journey, helping to build a skilled, adaptable workforce that responds to the needs of a growing economy.