Akademia Launches R3.2 Billion Campus Development in Pretoria East

In a remarkable stride for private higher education in South Africa, the Afrikaans, Christian institution Akademia has disclosed plans for a R3.2-billion campus situated in Pretoria East. This new campus, under the development expertise of real estate group Kanton, marks a significant investment in the future of academic instruction in Afrikaans amidst a trend towards English language education in state universities.

Kanton, taking charge of the project, is currently organizing funds from investors and banking institutions. Akademia has also initiated fundraising activities to assist with construction costs. The groundbreaking event is anticipated in 2026, while students can look forward to enrolling by 2028.

This expansion is not just a merge of existing facilities but a considerable augmentation. The campus will initially accommodate 5,000 undergraduates and 1,500 postgraduate students, with comprehensive amenities including lecture halls, laboratories, residences, and sports complexes. Also planned are diverse faculties with an innovative approach including an experimental farm to support natural sciences and agriculture disciplines.

Akademia's expansion into new domains such as engineering and medical faculties is designed to align with global academic standards. The institution's commitment to becoming a premier educational hub is also evident in their plans to open additional satellite campuses across South Africa.

Kanton's Henk Schalekamp emphasizes the trend of growth in Afrikaans-speaking communities and the future prospects of private universities in Africa. With accredited qualifications and a growing student body, Akademia stands as a testament to the success of targeted educational enterprises in South Africa.

The campus design includes some special structural elements, notably a 34-meter diameter glass dome and an artistically designed entrance port to the academic node, testament to the fusion of innovative architecture with educational functionality.

This initiative underscores the dynamism in the South African private higher education sector. It offers a beacon of hope for many who seek quality education rooted in a shared cultural and linguistic heritage.