Investec-Ed, a national program that aims to empower South African Grade 8 to 12 learners and their parents between education and career preparation, has been officially launched by Investec.
Image supplied: Official launch of Invest-Aid initiative by Investec on 11 February 2026
Invest-Ed is designed to help learners and parents make the connection between education choices, skills development and work preparation, so more young people can access opportunities in a changing economy.
“The world of work is changing rapidly and young people need guidance,” says Itumeleng Merafe, head of Investec Private Bank in South Africa. “Invest-ED is designed to help learners and parents start earlier, make more informed subject and career choices, and build confidence for what's next.”
Bringing together local and international experts, industry voices and educators, Invest-Ed provides practical guidance on emerging and growing careers, future skills and entrepreneurship. The content focuses on evolving career paths and the skills that will matter most, with accessible guidance for both learners and parents.
Through keynote sessions, thought leadership and real-world career insights, the program is designed to help families navigate both the opportunities and disruptions shaping tomorrow's workplace. Invest-ED content will also be made available through Investec websiteTo support continued learning beyond live sessions.
Career guidance platform to assist SA youth
Livestreamed launch event
The first Invest-Ed livestream event brought together more than 4,000 learners, along with parents and teachers across South Africa, showcasing the programme’s ambition to move beyond typical career lists and provide practical insights, future-focused thinking and confidence.
Broadcast from Stark Studios in Randburg on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, the program was accessible to participating schools hosting group viewing to support engagement during the pilot, as well as parents and families registering online. Investec intends to build on this foundation and scale to more schools and students across South Africa over time so that more learners, parents and teachers can benefit.
Speakers at the pilot event included international behavioral scientist Mike Hughes, quantum education leader Elisa Torres Durney, and medical experts Dr. Simon Fraser and Dr. Angelo Apostolaris, who discussed decision making in an AI-enabled workplace, emerging technology pathways, and how traditional businesses are being transformed. Throughout the program, the message to learners was practical: stay curious, keep learning and be open to new opportunities as technology reshapes careers and industries.
“Legacy is measured not only by what we leave behind, but also by the guidance, skills and opportunities we give to the next generation. Preparing youth to succeed is how we move the country forward,” Merafe concluded.