Sanari Capital, a private equity firm that invests in medium-sized and mid-market growth companies from Africa, has announced a R80m follow-on investment in EduLife Group. 

The investment will allow EduLife Group to further entrench their schools in existing regions and expand into other provinces. 

The capital will be used to build on their solid foundation in the Free State and expand its offering further in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and potentially in Gauteng. 

Further to this, the group continues to experience growth in its existing schools due to continued demand for quality education at an affordable price point in the areas they operate in. 

As such, part of the funding will be used to expand capacity in these schools. 

EduLife Group is a network of independent schools, offering diverse and tailor-made education across the economic spectrum. 

They are focused mainly on educating students from LSM 4–7 by delivering a learner-first solution and producing quality education outcomes, where the alternatives are sometimes dire or there is no school nearby. 

The group focuses on rolling out schools in areas that usually do not see private school investment. 

EduLife’s pioneering school, Academy of Excellence, founded 25 years ago and serving primarily the Batho township community in Bloemfontein, has achieved 100% metric pass rate in all but one of the past 5 years, and over 60% Bachelors pass rate for the 2023 class. 

“We’re exceptionally pleased to support EduLife Group as they continue their ambitious expansion strategy. Our work is driven by sustainable value creation, not just for companies and investors, but for the communities and environments touched by the businesses we work with. This is why we partnered with EduLife Group. Together we are bringing accessible, affordable, relevant education to students across income levels on a sustainable and profitable basis, combining exciting growth prospects with rewarding impact,” said Moushmi Patel, Partner at Sanari Capital. 

EduLife’s strong management team brings an exceptional focus on execution, a bold vision, deep care for the community, and a profound understanding of how quality education can be achieved in lower-income communities. With an attractive return, the growth comes from a scalable model, innovative thinking, a partnering mindset, entrepreneurial grit and digital enablement. 

Hansie Engelbrecht, CEO of EduLife Group, said: “Our aim is to provide inclusive, modern, and tailor-made educational excellence that enables all students to thrive, reach their full potential, and be prepared to meet the demands of the future. This follow-on investment enables us to expand into new regions and further develop our existing schools, so we can achieve our goal of providing quality education to more people. Our schools offer an affordable alternative for families who wouldn’t otherwise have access to high-quality schooling. Our learners receive an excellent education and progress at the same pace as their peers in more metropolitan areas.”

Patel said: "Sanari’s investment in EduLife Group is the perfect example of Profit with Purpose, as the team cares deeply about putting the students first and ensuring no student is left behind. The EduLife Group’s business model is aligned with one of Sanari’s key investment pillars – ‘Education is the most powerful weapon’."

Since the initial investment of R28m in 2019, the group has increased South African jobs by an average of 40% per year to over 280 permanent jobs to date. 

Additionally, the group creates local jobs in the areas where the schools have been built. 

The schools have played a pivotal role in bringing the communities together and have used subjects like Agricultural Science to educate students in this field and provide fresh produce for the community at minimal cost. 

“Sanari Capital is extremely proud of the company’s growth and broader social impact, and the educators’ and learners’ commitments to excellence and community. “We look forward to watching EduLife Group go from strength to strength in the coming years,” concluded Patel.