Business venture boosts education facility
Developments include an AstroTurf , modern arts and culture complex and construction of new boarding facilities.
LOCAL private school Grantleigh, now managed by major national education group, Curro Holdings, unveiled its investment plans to develop its latest acquisition at an industry dinner function in Richards Bay.
The group’s Chief Executive Officer Chris van der Merwe said Grantleigh was acquired to advance their private school footprint in Zululand, when he met with captains of industry to highlight some of the school’s future developments.
The venture, a financial sustainable and long term investment, will further advance the school as a centre of excellence and increase the school’s capacity.
This year’s developments include a hockey AstroTurf , modern arts and culture complex and construction of new boarding facilities.
Van der Merwe said the group strived to build five new schools and buy one existing school each year and hope to double these figures.
‘There are 12 million children in South Africa with 30 000 schools and only about 2 000 can compete globally.
‘With 31 campuses now, we want to have 80 schools by 2020.
‘We underestimated the market in 2011 where Curro promised 17 schools and produced 26; the private market has proved more popular.
‘With 294 million issued shares, we are not busy with a Mickey Mouse show, we believe in our resources, teachers and believe we are global players.
‘We have developed successfully since 2009, focused 50% on curriculum and the other half to seek capital.
‘Our focus is to develop facilities for arts and culture, sports and advancement of mathematics at this school,’ he said.
Grantleigh Executive Head Shaun McMurtry said the common ground between the two organisations ensured a seamless transition process.
The farm school, which started in 1996 with five children by founders Fred and Renette Grant, has grown to accommodate 700 pupils.
He said local communities had benefited from the Bambasani Learning Programme at Grantleigh Titanium Learning Centre funded by Richards Bay to host students from surrounding rural communities and advance science and technology education.
