EduLife expands into Gauteng with acquisition of Arrow Academy

EduLife Group – a portfolio company of Sanari Capital’s 3S Growth Fund – has taken another step in its mission to make quality education accessible to more South African learners through the acquisition of Arrow Academy in Centurion, Gauteng.

Supported by Sanari Capital’s 3S Growth Fund, EduLife has evolved from its roots in The Academy of Excellence in Bloemfontein into the largest private education group in the Free State.

The group has since expanded into the Eastern Cape and now, with this acquisition, marks its first entry into South Africa’s economic hub, Gauteng.

EduLife CEO Hansie Engelbrecht said the addition of Arrow Academy aligns perfectly with the group’s mission of empowering every child to reach their full potential.

“We are delighted to welcome Arrow Academy into the EduLife family. Their pioneering approach to 21st-century learning — combining creativity, technology, and learner-centred development — complements our vision,” Engelbrecht said.

“This acquisition not only marks our first step into Gauteng but also reinforces our goal of building a truly national network of schools.”

Arrow Academy currently serves around 400 learners, bringing EduLife’s total learner base to more than 4 000. Plans are already underway to expand the Centurion campus to include a high school.

Sanari Capital investment partner, Moushmi Patel, said EduLife has remained true to its founding purpose of democratising quality education.

“EduLife’s thesis has always been about rolling out quality, affordable education across South Africa. The group’s commitment to accessibility and excellence embodies the principles of our 3S Growth Fund.”

The fund’s investment has already enabled EduLife to triple its learner numbers. The group’s expansion strategy centres on using resources efficiently and sharing expertise across campuses — from introducing AI and robotics into the curriculum to leveraging group-level partnerships with industry leaders.

EduLife chief operating officer, Nikesh Ramkillet, said the group’s success lies in its focus on the learner and the community.

“Our model prioritises quality teaching and holistic education at an affordable cost. Sanari recognised the sustainability of this model, which has allowed us to expand into areas of greatest need and reach a broader audience,” Ramkillet said.

EduLife’s offering extends beyond academics to include sports, drama, and agricultural projects, giving learners from lower-income backgrounds access to opportunities typically limited to higher-fee schools.

Its community-based approach also fosters local engagement and ownership. For instance, schools with agricultural programmes grow crops on-site with community participation, providing affordable food while discouraging vandalism and promoting mutual respect.

Outgoing Arrow Academy investor and Optimi CEO, Stefan Botha, described the sale as a “bittersweet moment.”

“I’m very proud of what we’ve built at Arrow, but it’s time for the next chapter. EduLife is an excellent custodian to guide the school forward, given their expertise and successful track record.”

Kavashnee Singh, Arrow Academy executive head, echoed this sentiment.

“EduLife is an ideal partner for the next stage of our journey. This transition will strengthen our foundation and create new opportunities to enhance our offering while maintaining our commitment to nurturing, future-ready education.”

BUSINESS REPORT