One Thousand & One Voices (1K1V), a private family capital fund backed exclusively by families from around the globe, has invested in Higher Ed Partners South Africa (HEPSA), a South African online education company.

The investment marks 1K1V’s first investment in the education sector in Africa.

Hendrik Jordaan, President and CEO of 1K1V, said: “We are honored to be partnering with HEPSA to deliver innovative education solutions in South Africa. We believe the deep industry experience of HEPSA’s management team and its success to date leaves HEPSA well-positioned to capitalize on the significant growth occurring in the tertiary education sector in South Africa.” 

We are confident that we can further enhance value by leveraging 1K1V’s Intellectual and Relational Capital, both in South Africa and internationally,” he said.

HEPSA was founded by Best Associates, the company that founded and grew multiple leading online program management and higher education companies around the globe, including Academic Partnerships in the United States and Illumno in Latin America.
 
HEPSA is an integrated provider of online program management services to tertiary educational institutions, based in Johannesburg. 

These services enable HEPSA’s partner universities to expand access to high quality, affordable higher education by supporting the conversion of existing programs to an engaging online format, attracting and enrolling qualified students and providing ongoing student support from enrollment through to graduation.
 
“HEPSA emerged from a deep belief in the transformative power of higher education to change the lives of countless global citizens,” said Randy Best, Founder and Chairman of HEPSA. 

“While the value of education has been recognized since Ancient Greece, the ability to provide universal access to topquality higher education is new. Technology is a game changer for post-secondary learning/education and a great enabler. Its extraordinary ability to disseminate knowledge unbound by geography and time has captured the imaginations of people around the world. HEPSA is excited to participate in this movement, which is transforming higher education by expanding access and helping millions achieve their aspirations,” he said.
 
This transaction represents 1K1V’s fourth platform investment on the African continent, adding to its existing portfolio companies - Redsun Dried Fruit & Nuts, Beefmaster and SanLei. 

In addition, 1K1V portfolio companies also concluded investments in TRUE Jerky, a San Francisco-based healthy snack foods company, and RTE Snacks, a producer of healthy, ready-to-eat trail mix products.