SENS Announcement | 3 November 2015
RIGHTS OFFER DECLARATION ANNOUNCEMENT AND REVISED DATES AND TIMES
ADvTECH Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration number 1990/001119/06)
Share Code: ADH
ISIN: ZAE000031035
("ADvTECH" or the "Company")
NOT FOR PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN RESPECT OF WHICH THE PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION OR IN RESPECT OF WHICH THE OFFERING CONTEMPLATED BY THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS UNLAWFUL. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR FORM PART OF ANY OFFER OR INVITATION TO PURCHASE, OTHERWISE ACQUIRE, SUBSCRIBE FOR, SELL, OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF OR PURCHASE ANY SECURITY IN ANY JURISDICTION.
RIGHTS OFFER DECLARATION ANNOUNCEMENT AND REVISED DATES AND TIMES
INTRODUCTION
ADvTECH shareholders are referred to the announcement released on the Stock Exchange News Service ("SENS") on Monday, 7 September 2015 in which the Company declared its intention to undertake a renounceable rights offer to its shareholders ("rights offer") to raise up to R850 million. A condition precedent to the rights offer requires that the special resolutions which approved the increase of authorised share capital and amendments to Memorandum of Incorporation be registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission ("CIPC"). Confirmation of registration has not yet been received from CIPC and as such the timetable below has been amended to facilitate the confirmation of registration.
BACKGROUND TO AND RATIONALE FOR THE RIGHTS OFFER
ADvTECH shareholders were advised in the ADvTECH Group's interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2015 that the board was considering the optimal capital structure for the ADvTECH Group and formulating a financing strategy that would allow the Group to support an accelerated growth strategy in the most efficient manner.
To implement the rights offer, the Company was required to obtain shareholder approval to increase its authorised but unissued share capital and to place sufficient unissued shares under the control of the Board to undertake the rights offer. This shareholder approval was obtained on Tuesday, 13 October 2015.
Central to the Board's strategy are the sustained and consistent growth of operations both locally and in sub-Saharan Africa and development of the present project pipeline. The acquisition of the Gaborone International School in Botswana concluded earlier this year signalled the Company's intent to pursue growth opportunities outside South Africa, while implementation of the acquisition of the Centurus and Maravest Schools groups alongside organic growth initiatives have materially increased ADvTECH's schools footprint within the country. The Tertiary division has resumed a growth strategy and is developing new organic and acquisitive investment opportunities in this sector.
As a result of ADvTECH's standard working capital cycle and seasonal cash variations, ADvTECH's borrowings are expected to increase from ZAR1.7 billion to ca. ZAR1.9 billion by calendar year end, assuming the addition of no new projects beyond the previously announced ZAR3.0 billion rolling capital expansion programme ("the announced programme").
Current ADvTECH Group debt facilities total ca. ZAR1.8 billion consisting of a Bridge Facility, a Revolving Credit Facility ("RCF") and an Overdraft Facility.
The ZAR350 million RCF has been fully drawn to fund capital work in progress;
The RCF is complemented by an overdraft facility with a current limit of ZAR122 million; and
The Bridge Facility of ZAR1 350 million has been fully utilised for capital expenditure and recent acquisitions.
Covenants in place allow for indebtedness of ZAR1.9 billion, leaving limited headroom to pursue incremental growth opportunities above and beyond the announced programme. At present management has identified near-term organic and acquisitive-led investment opportunities totalling almost ZAR1.0 billion that are over and above the board-approved projects already recorded.
Aside from creating a flexible capital structure that will enable the Company to pursue accelerated growth opportunities most efficiently, the Board believes it necessary to refinance existing facilities so as to reflect more accurately the seasonality of its funding requirements, improve the match between the nature of investment and the sources of capital, and lower its overall cost of capital.
With this in mind, and having reviewed in detail its financing options, the Board has decided to pursue a capital increase by way of a rights offer of up to ZAR850 million. Funds raised will be used to reduce and restructure current indebtedness, fund capital projects and planned acquisitions and ensure that ADvTECH is adequately positioned to execute on further growth opportunities identified from evaluation of the growing deal flow available at present.
THE RIGHTS OFFER
3.1 SALIENT TERMS
In terms of the rights offer, 75,555,556 new ADvTECH ordinary shares ("rights offer shares") will be offered to ADvTECH shareholders recorded in ADvTECH's share register at the close of business on Friday, 20 November 2015 ("record date"), at a subscription price of R11.25 cents per rights offer share, in the ratio of 16.59818 rights offer shares for every 100 ADvTECH ordinary shares held.
The subscription price per rights offer share represents a 10% discount to the 30 day volume weighted average price of ADvTECH ordinary shares listed on the JSE Limited ("JSE") as at the close of business on Wednesday, 21 October 2015, being the date on which the rights offer was priced.
Shareholders holding shares that are cum rights the last day to trade, being Friday, 13 November 2015, will be entitled to trade their rights in the form of letters of allocation. The letters of allocation will be listed and commence trading on the JSE on Monday, 16 November 2015. The relevant dates are set out in the table below.
The rights offer shares issued will rank pari passu with the existing issued ordinary shares of ADvTECH.
- REVISED SALIENT DATES AND TIMES
| 2015 | |
|---|---|
| Special resolution to approve the increase in authorised share capital registered with CIPC by | Monday, 9 November |
| Finalisation announcement to be published on SENS by 11:00 | Tuesday, 10 November |
| Last day to trade in ADvTECH ordinary shares in order to participate in the rights offer (cum entitlement) | Friday, 13 November |
| ADvTECH ordinary shares commence trading ex-entitlement at 09:00 | Monday, 16 November |
| Listing of and trading in the letters of allocation on the JSE commences at 09:00 | Monday, 16 November |
| Rights offer circular and form of instruction posted to certificated ADvTECH shareholders | Tuesday, 17 November |
| Record date for the rights offer | Friday, 20 November |
| Rights offer opens at 09:00 | Monday, 23 November |
| Letters of allocation credited to an electronic account created by the transfer secretaries in respect of holders of certificated shares | Monday, 23 November |
| CSDP or broker accounts credited with entitlements in respect of holders of dematerialised shares | Monday, 23 November |
| Rights offer circular posted to dematerialised shareholders who have elected to receive such documents | Tuesday, 24 November |
| Last day for trading letters of allocation on the JSE | Friday, 27 November |
| Listing of rights offer shares and trading therein on the JSE commences at 09:00 | Monday, 30 November |
| Rights offer closes at 12:00 | Friday, 4 December |
| Record date for the letters of allocation | Friday, 4 December |
| Rights offer shares issued on or about | Monday, 7 December |
| CSDP or broker accounts in respect of holders of dematerialised shares debited and updated with rights offer shares and share certificates posted to certificated shareholders by registered post on or about | Monday, 7 December |
| Results of the rights offer released on SENS | Monday, 7 December |
| Results of the rights offer published in the press | Tuesday, 8 December |
| CSDP or broker accounts in respect of holders of dematerialised shares debited and updated with any excess shares allocated and share certificates posted to certificated shareholders by registered post on or about | Wednesday, 9 December |
| Refund cheques posted to holders of certificated shares in respect of unsuccessful applications | Wednesday, 9 December |
Notes:
All times shown in this circular are South African local times.
These dates and times are subject to change. Any material changes will be released on SENS.
Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Monday, 16 November 2015 and Friday, 20 November 2015, both days inclusive.
3.3 IRREVOCABLE UNDERTAKINGS AND UNDERWRITING COMMITMENTS
The following ADvTECH shareholders have irrevocably undertaken to follow their rights in terms of the rights offer as set out below:
| Name of shareholder | Number of ordinary shares held in ADvTECH before the rights offer | Number of rights offer shares | % of rights offer shares |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coronation | 116,997,675 | 19,419,489 | 25.7% |
| Visio Capital | 41,970,000 | 6,966,258 | 9.2% |
| Kyocraft | 33,678,494 | 5,333,333 | 7.1% |
| Total | 192,646,169 | 31,719,080 | 42.0% |
In addition, the rights offer has been partially underwritten by Coronation and Visio Capital. In terms of the underwriting agreements, Coronation and Visio Capital have provided ADvTECH with irrevocable undertakings to underwrite 16,136,067 and 16,063,742 rights offer shares respectively, (being R362.2 million in aggregate).
In aggregate, the irrevocable undertakings and underwriting commitments cover 63,918,889 of the 75,555,556 rights offer shares, representing 88% of the shares being offered.
3.4 EXCESS APPLICATIONS
ADvTECH shareholders will have the right to apply for any excess rights offer shares not taken up by other shareholders subject to such rights being transferable upon renunciation of the letters of allocation, and any such excess shares will be attributed equitably, taking cognisance of the number of shares and rights held by the shareholder just prior to such allocation, including those taken up as a result of the rights offer, and the number of excess rights offer shares applied for by such shareholder.
3.5 FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS
Introduction
Foreign shareholders may be affected by the rights offer, having regard to prevailing laws in their relevant jurisdictions. Such foreign shareholders should inform themselves about and observe any applicable legal requirements of such jurisdiction in relation to all aspects of the rights offer circular that may affect them, including the rights offer. It is the responsibility of each foreign shareholder to satisfy himself as to the full observation of the laws and regulatory requirements of the relevant foreign jurisdiction in connection with the rights offer, including the obtaining of any governmental, exchange or other consents or the making of any filing which may be required, the compliance with other necessary formalities and the payment of any issue, transfer or other taxes or other requisite payments due in such jurisdiction. The rights offer is governed by the laws of South Africa and is subject to applicable laws and regulations, including the Exchange Control Regulations.
Affected foreign shareholders
Any ADvTECH shareholder who is in doubt as to his position with respect to the rights offer in any jurisdiction, including, without limitation, his tax status, should consult an appropriate independent professional advisor in the relevant jurisdiction without delay. Foreign shareholders are reminded that they may dispose of their ADvTECH ordinary shares on or prior to the last day to trade, in which case they will not participate in the rights offer.
Foreign shareholders accordingly must take their own advice on whether they are entitled, after the rights offer, to continue beneficially to hold any ADvTECH ordinary shares distributed to them and take the appropriate action in accordance with that advice.
Note to U.S. shareholders
The rights offer shares will not be registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any U.S. state securities laws. Neither the SEC nor any U.S. federal or state securities commission has registered, approved or disapproved the rights offer shares or passed comment or opinion upon the accuracy or adequacy of the circular to be issued by ADvTECH in respect of the rights offer. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the U.S.
ADvTECH shareholders who are citizens or residents of the U.S. are advised that the rights offer shares have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Sale of letters of allocation
It is the responsibility of any person outside the common monetary area (including, without limitation, nominees, agents and trustees for such persons) wishing to take up rights offer shares under the rights offer, to satisfy themselves as to full observance of the applicable laws of any relevant territory, including obtaining any requisite governmental or other consents, observing any other requisite formalities and paying any issue, transfer or other taxes due in such territories.
If a premium can be obtained over the expenses of the sale, the rights of ADvTECH shareholders in the jurisdictions in which it is illegal to make an offer will be sold by the transfer secretaries on the JSE for the benefit of such ADvTECH shareholders, in accordance with this section. Any premium over the expenses of the sale of the rights of ADvTECH shareholders in these jurisdictions (including applicable taxes, brokerage fees and commissions) shall be remitted to such ADvTECH shareholders.
None of ADvTECH, the transfer secretaries or any broker appointed by them or ADvTECH, will have any obligation or be responsible for any loss or damage whatsoever in relation to, or arising out of, the timing of such sales or the remittance of the net proceeds of such sales.
3.6 DISTRIBUTION OF CIRCULAR
ADvTECH shareholders are advised that a circular containing full details of the rights offer will be posted on the dates set out in paragraph 3.2 above.
Johannesburg
3 November 2015
Sole bookrunner, financial advisor and transaction sponsor
Absa Bank Limited (acting through its Corporate and Investment Banking Division)
Legal adviser
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr
Sponsor
Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited
Advtech Updates
Advtech Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“Advtech” or “the Company”) DEALINGS IN SECURITIES BY A PRESCRIBED OFFICER OF THE COMPANY In compliance with paragraphs 6.77 to 6.91 of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements the following information is disclosed in respect of dealings in Advtech securities by a prescribed officer of the Company.
Deputy Minister for Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, kicked off sector-wide engagements by meeting Advtech’s senior leadership at Emeris’ Sandton campus on Monday, 8 June 2026. This follows her recent address at Advtech’s Rosebank International brand launch. The aim of these engagements is to recognise and collaborate with private institutions that positively contribute to the Post-School Education and Training sector. Advtech’s senior leadership discussed opportunities for public-private partnerships, including leveraging the agility of the private sector to widen access for students to quality education. During the visit, Dr Gondwe spent time with Emeris students and toured the campus’ world-class facilities, including its state-of-the-art sports centre. Said Dr Gondwe prior to the visit, “The conversation can no longer be about whether private higher education institutions have a role to play; that question has long been settled; the focus now is on collaborating more effectively and responsibly to ensure that higher education supports national development and inclusive economic growth.” “Advtech welcomes our positive recent engagements with Dr Gondwe. We look forward to collaborating with her department going forward and appreciate her commitment to finalising the process that will enable Emeris and Rosebank International to finally achieve university status,” said Geoff Whyte, Group CEO of Advtech.
Play should sit naturally in early childhood education, as it reflects how young children come to know themselves, others and the world. Yet too often, play is the very space that requires the most protection. This tension usually arises from a culture that prioritises early academic achievement and holds the belief that accelerating formal learning guarantees future success. When children are rushed or pressured into formalised academic outcomes too early, short-term gains may be visible for some, but the long-term cost can be significant, an education expert says. “Play is not separate from learning, it is the medium through which learning becomes possible,” says Lynda Eagle, Advtech Schools Specialist: Early Years Phase. “Early learning that prioritises performance over understanding risks weakening curiosity, motivation and wellbeing. Strong foundations are built not through acceleration, but through experiences that nurture thinking, communication, collaboration, and joy - conditions that sustain lifelong learning.” Eagle explains that children engage with play in ways that reflect their own pace, interests and needs. “It provides space for difference and diversity while offering opportunities for connection and shared experience. Importantly, play supports emotional regulation and prepares children for future learning by strengthening the foundations required for inquiry, reflection and participation in real-world contexts.” Play and responsiveness are often described as abstract concepts, yet they require intentional commitment from both educators and families, says Eagle. “Responsiveness asks adults to understand the value of play and to reflect on their role within it: how they observe, when they intervene, how they extend thinking and how they remain present without directing or interfering. By engaging in careful observation and thoughtful support, adults come to know children more deeply, including learning about their interests, strengths and emerging identities. “It also plays a big role in building key life skills - things like thinking deeply or critically, solving problems, working with others, communicating effectively and self-management. When children play, they’re constantly exploring new ideas, testing their theories, inventing solutions and figuring out how the world works. Along the way, they learn to take manageable risks and handle challenges. And, very importantly, to stick with things even when they’re difficult, which gradually builds their confidence and a real mindset for growth.” PLAY AND RESPONSIVENESS – IMPORTANCE OF PARTNERSHIPS Partnerships between families and educators are central to this work, Eagle says. “Together, they can create learning experiences that balance freedom and structure, offering both flexibility and clear boundaries. This balance provides children with emotional safety while teaching respect for themselves, for others and for the environment. Such stability supports the development of empathy, resilience and perseverance.” Within these conditions, children form relationships, make connections, and gradually become independent learners. They develop conceptual understanding and learn to reason, transfer knowledge, and apply ideas in new contexts, moving from concrete experience toward more abstract thinking. “Any tension between our aspirations for children and our understanding of play and responsiveness deserves careful reflection,” Eagle warns. “When adults deepen their understanding of why play matters and how responsiveness supports learning, they are better positioned to guide children with intention and trust. Ultimately, early learning is not only about what children know, but about how they think, how they relate to others, and how they come to see themselves in the world, a world full of possibility.”
Advtech Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“Advtech” or “the Company”) DEALINGS IN SECURITIES BY PRESCRIBED OFFICERS, DIRECTOR OF A MAJOR SUBSIDIARY AND THE COMPANY SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY In compliance with paragraphs 6.77 to 6.91 of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements the following information is disclosed in respect of dealings in Advtech securities by prescribed officers, director of a major subsidiary and company secretary of the Company.
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) RESULTS OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING In terms of section 6.63 of the JSE Listings Requirements, shareholders are hereby advised that at the annual general meeting (“AGM”) of shareholders of the Company held today, Wednesday 27 May 2026 all the proposed ordinary and special resolutions, as set out in the notice of annual general meeting contained in the Integrated Annual Report, were approved by the requisite majority of shareholders present or represented by proxy. Details of the results of voting at the annual general meeting are as follows:
Dr Wendy Mahoney has made history as the first PhD graduate of The Vega School at Emeris and as the first recipient of the school’s Black Pencil Award for Excellence. She was recently conferred the qualification IIE Doctor of Philosophy in Brand Leadership at The Vega School at Emeris Umhlanga’s Class of 2025 graduation ceremony. Reflecting on receiving her PhD after a three year part-time journey, Dr Mahoney described the moment as deeply emotional and meaningful. “This is the most incredible feeling. I am deeply honoured, blessed and grateful to every single person who cheered me on,” she said. “It was such a profound moment for me because The Vega School at Emeris has been such an intricate part of my personal journey. What made the occasion even more meaningful was the immense pride I felt in the room for this achievement. It was not just my achievement - it was our achievement”. Dr Carla Enslin (Dean of the Postgraduate & Research Centre at Emeris) said the launch of the IIE Doctor of Philosophy in Brand Leadership in 2021 was a significant moment for The Independent Institute of Education (IIE) and for The Vega School at Emeris. “It’s a first of its kind qualification and breaks new ground both locally and internationally,” she said. “The PhD purposefully produces original frameworks, original models, creative insights to innovative and meaningful brand building. We expect our PhD graduates to be the individuals advancing the values-based leadership that grows an organisational culture and the practises that transform communities, businesses, environments,” continued Dr Enslin.
Advtech Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“Advtech”) DEALINGS IN SECURITIES BY PRESCRIBED OFFICERS, A DIRECTOR OF A MAJOR SUBSIDIARY, AND COMPANY SECRETARY: SHARE VESTING In compliance with paragraphs 6.77 to 6.91 of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements, the following transactions relating to prescribed officers, director of a major subsidiary and company secretary dealings are hereby disclosed, in terms of the provisions of the Advtech Management Share Incentive Scheme (MSI), regarding performance and retention shares that have vested after 3 years.
Access to higher education remains one of South Africa’s most powerful tools for social mobility, economic growth, and national development. For many young people - especially first-generation students - it represents the chance to break cycles of poverty and build better futures for themselves and their families. While it is estimated that between 30-40% of qualifying students can’t access higher education for various reasons annually, simply opening the doors of higher learning to more young people is not enough, an education expert says. Peter Kriel, Executive: Operations at Advtech and The IIE ’s Academic Centre of Excellence, says access and quality must go hand in hand: “True access means creating opportunities for students to enter higher education, thrive within it, graduate with the skills and confidence needed to build meaningful careers.” He says there are five practical ways for South African higher education institutions to expand access while supporting student success: 1) Develop multiple entry pathways Traditional admission routes exclude many talented students whose school backgrounds may not fully reflect their potential. Institutions can widen participation by offering foundation programmes including higher certificates, extended curriculum streams, bridging courses and alternative admission pathways. These flexible entry points acknowledge that academic readiness is not equally available across all communities. By providing targeted academic preparation, institutions can identify and nurture talent that might otherwise be left behind, without lowering standards. “Widening participation is not about lowering academic standards, but rather about creating appropriate pathways that enable students to reach those standards,” says Kriel. 2) Strengthen transition support programmes The jump from school to higher education is often daunting. Students face new academic demands, greater independence, and the need for advanced analytical skills. Strong orientation programmes, first-year experience initiatives and structured academic skills workshops help ease this transition. Proactive support in the critical first year significantly improves retention and builds the foundation for long-term success, notes Kriel. 3) Invest in academic development initiatives Ongoing support is essential. Tutoring services, writing centres, peer-assisted learning programmes, dedicated academic development resources help students bridge knowledge gaps and build confidence. These initiatives are particularly valuable for students navigating higher education for the first time in their families, turning potential struggles into opportunities for growth. 4) Use data to identify at-risk students early Institutions should harness student success analytics to spot challenges before they become crises. Early warning systems allow for timely interventions - whether through additional tutoring, counselling, or personalised support. “Proactive data-driven approaches dramatically improve completion rates and ensure that expanded access translates into actual graduate outcomes,” says Kriel. 5) Create inclusive and adaptive learning environments Students succeed best when they feel they belong. Inclusive campuses that respect diversity, foster connection, and value different backgrounds help students engage fully with their studies. AI and adaptive technologies further enhance this by enabling personalised learning pathways - adjusting content, pace, support in real time to match each student’s unique needs, learning style and progress. Feeling respected and supported by lecturers and peers, ensures increased persistence and chances for success. BROADER IMPACT AND SHARED RESPONSIBILITY When students complete their qualifications, the benefits multiply, says Kriel. “Graduates access better employment, develop critical thinking and professional skills, and often become role models who inspire the next generation. This creates a powerful ripple effect: stronger families, more skilled communities and broader economic growth.” Students also have a key role to play. Actively using available support services, building good study habits, managing time effectively, engaging with lecturers, staying curious can make a significant difference, he advises. At the same time, institutions must recognise that many students enter higher education while dealing with financial pressure, family responsibilities, or personal challenges. Support systems therefore need to be visible, accessible and proactive - reaching students before they have to ask for help. “Expanding access to quality higher education is one of South Africa’s greatest opportunities for meaningful change. This means not simply increasing enrolment numbers, but an active strategy to unlock human potential, enabling individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader economy.”
New name and visual identity prepare the way for university status and further rapid growth
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source. One of the most important expectations placed on higher education today is that it prepares students for successful careers. While intellectual development remains central to the mission of universities, students increasingly seek - rightly so - educational experiences that provide clear pathways into professional life. Career-focused education, therefore, plays a vital role in connecting academic learning with the practical realities of the workplace. Peter Kriel, Executive: Operations at The Independent Institute of Education , says for this reason, it is incumbent on universities to actively strengthen the link between learning and employability. “Students enter higher education with the hope that their qualifications will enable them to build meaningful careers,” he explains. “Institutions therefore have a responsibility to ensure that academic programmes provide both theoretical depth and opportunities for practical application.” Career-focused education does not diminish the intellectual value of higher education. Rather, it enhances it by ensuring that academic knowledge can be applied to real-world contexts. “In today’s economy, employers seek graduates who can demonstrate both subject knowledge and practical capabilities. Skills such as teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving are highly valued across industries. “Universities must help students develop these competencies by integrating practical life skills opportunities into academic programmes. Work-integrated learning, internships, project-based learning, and industry collaborations also provide students with valuable opportunities to apply what they have learned in real-world settings.” These experiences help students build confidence while also developing the professional skills that employers seek, says Kriel. Institutions seeking to strengthen career-focused education can consider the following approaches. 5 WAYS UNIVERSITIES CAN STRENGTHEN THE FOCUS ON CAREER-READINESS 1. Expand work-integrated learning opportunities Internships, practical placements, and industry projects allow students to gain direct exposure to professional environments. This means that students graduate with practical experience that enhances employability. 2. Strengthen career guidance and development services Career counselling, CV workshops, and interview preparation help students transition successfully into the workplace. Students, therefore, gain clarity about career pathways and develop stronger job-search skills. 3. Develop strong employer partnerships Collaboration with industry partners can provide insights into emerging skills requirements and new employment opportunities. Institutions must strengthen their alignment with labour market needs. 4. Embed professional skills - including AI skills - within curricula Communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills should be integrated into academic programmes rather than treated as separate activities. This would allow graduates to become well-rounded professionals capable of contributing effectively in the workplace. In addition, universities should explicitly teach students how to responsibly and effectively use AI tools, given the rapidly changing nature of the workplace. This includes developing critical AI literacy skills such as prompt engineering, ethical AI use, evaluating AI-generated outputs, and integrating AI to augment human capabilities rather than replace them. 5. Encourage entrepreneurship and innovation Not all graduates will follow traditional employment pathways. Institutions that promote entrepreneurial thinking help students identify opportunities to create their own ventures. It is also a fact that entrepreneurship contributes to job creation and economic development. Given all this, it is clear that career-focused education delivers benefits that extend beyond individual graduates. For students , it increases confidence and preparedness as they transition from study to employment. Exposure to professional environments helps students better understand industry expectations and workplace dynamics. For institutions , strong employability outcomes enhance reputation and strengthen relationships with industry partners. For society , career-focused education contributes to economic growth by ensuring that graduates possess the skills required to support innovation and productivity. “Higher education institutions have a unique opportunity to shape the future workforce by designing programmes that combine academic excellence with practical relevance. Institutions that embrace career-focused education ultimately strengthen their contribution to society,” says Kriel. “When higher education institutions actively connect learning with professional opportunity, they empower graduates to build careers that are both personally fulfilling and economically productive. As economies evolve and industries continue to transform, the ability of higher education to bridge the gap between learning and the workplace is essential.”
