(Image: Advtech)
Private education giant EdvTech is doubling down on its higher-education ambitions, this time with a big piece of land in Durban.
The JSE-listed group has secured 10 hectares of land in KwaZulu-Natal's largest city for the development of a huge new university-style campus that could eventually host more than 10,000 students.
AdvTech – the education powerhouse behind brands such as Crawford School, Trinityhouse and its new tertiary brand Ameris – says the project is another major step towards expanding its footprint in South Africa’s fast-growing private sector. higher education sector.
But don't expect bulldozers tomorrow morning. Timeline is a long game.
Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the first phase following in 2029. When the initial phase begins, the campus will be able to host approximately 8,000 students, with a purpose-built residence containing 500 beds.
The second expansion phase, which is planned to be completed by 2035, will increase the total capacity to 10,500 students, while student accommodation will increase by another 500 beds.
The land itself was purchased from Fundamentum Property Group, the property firm behind a number of major projects, including participation in the extensive Westtown development complex.
The KwaZulu-Natal project is the latest addition to EdTech's rapidly growing lineup of tertiary “mega-campuses”. Earlier this year, the group launched two major new campuses due in February 2026:
Ameris/Vega Sandton Mega-Campus in Johannesburg
Ameris Nelson Mandela Bay Mega-Campus in Gkebaraha
Both developments indicate the group's ambition to build large-scale private higher-education centers across South Africa.
There is also a larger strategic game playing out in the background. For decades, the title of “university” in South Africa was reserved exclusively for public institutions. But regulatory changes are beginning to open the door for private providers to finally achieve that status.
Geoff White, CEO of EdTech Group, said, “We support a clear and transparent process for granting university status. Emeris will apply as soon as the framework allows.” AdvTech argues that this investment comes at a critical time for South Africa's labor market, where youth unemployment remains stubbornly high.
The group says expanding access to tertiary education, particularly programs focused on real-world job skills, will be key in preparing graduates for a rapidly changing economy.
So yes, more campus, more seats, and hopefully, more pathways to work.
(Source: businesstech)