South Africa’s private education sector is experiencing remarkable growth, particularly within Afrikaans universities, as well as substantial increases in tuition fees across elite private schools. One notable example is Akademia, which was established by the labour union Solidarity and has been offering education since 2012. Initially only providing part-time distance learning, Akademia has seen rapid developments since launching its full-time campus program.
Akademia’s growth is highlighted by its expansion plans, including the establishment of new campuses. Its first full-time campus opened its doors in Centurion and has experienced significant increases in student enrollment and educational offerings. Akademia now provides various degrees, including BCom degrees in economics, law, business management, and financial management, alongside newer additions like their BSc in Computer Science, which debuted this academic year.
To support the growing student body, Akademia is working with real estate development company Kanton to create a R3-billion new campus along Boschkop Road, Pretoria East, expected to open its doors to 5,000 undergraduate and 1,500 postgraduate students by 2028. Henk Schalekamp, from Kanton, stated, "The second phase will see the completion of the academic campus and residences, followed by the sports facilities." These plans include comprehensive facilities for varied disciplines, accommodating comprehensive student needs and promoting diversity within educational offerings.
Meanwhile, the broader private school sector reveals increasing financial pressures on families seeking elite education. According to BusinessTech, private school tuition fees have experienced significant annual increases—an average of 6.9% for boarding schools and 6.8% for day schools. These increases are markedly higher than South Africa’s national inflation rate, putting additional strain on parents.
Highlighting this trend, Hilton College situated in KwaZulu-Natal claims the title of the most expensive private school, with fees set for 2025 at R420,729. Remarkably, just over R200,000 was the price for the same institution a decade ago; those costs have doubled. Other notable institutions with annual costs exceeding R350,000 include Michaelhouse, St Andrew’s College, and Roedean School for Girls, among others. Day schools are also seeing tuition climbing, leading with Kearsney College at R257,510.
This rise in tuition fees alongside inflation raises important questions about the accessibility of elite education within South Africa. The choices families make can lead to significant financial commitments, with the gap between public and private education becoming increasingly pronounced.
The expansion within Akademia, such as opening the new campus planned for 2026 in the Western Cape, is driven by strategic decisions influenced by the region’s high concentration of Afrikaans speakers. This new location aims to offer students diverse courses spanning economics, humanities, law, natural sciences, and teacher education. Visser noted, "This requires the strength of an aligned community...through unity and cooperation," indicating the importance of community support for growth and adaptation.
Indeed, the rapid changes within private education reflect broader societal trends within South Africa, particularly pertaining to cultural and linguistic identity. Akademia's developments signify more than just educational expansion; they represent the desire for unique identity within the academic framework and the establishment of communities centered around Afrikaans educational excellence.
The anticipated possibility of doubling the student numbers by 2025 underlines Akademia's commitment to educational accessibility. While addressing the increasing costs associated with private schooling, institutions like Akademia are working to create pathways for affordability and ensuring students have access to quality education.
Overall, the future of private education in South Africa reveals complex dynamics between growth, affordability, and cultural identity. With the high costs of private holistic education underlining the challenges faced by many families, the educational institutions are also responding to such trends strategically. Innovative programs and expansions such as those planned by Akademia aim to provide substantial educational opportunities and support for the students they serve, but questions about the sustainability and accessibility for diverse communities remain pressing.