Sanlam Private Equity, a division of Sanlam Investments, has acquired a stake in Boston City Campus, one of South Africa’s biggest distance-learning private higher education institutions.
Paul Moeketsi, managing partner of Sanlam Private Equity, said the transaction underscored the group’s focus on investing in businesses that drive financial returns.
He said Boston was reaching learners who would otherwise be left behind. “This isn’t just an education deal — it’s an investment in human capital, in potential, and in building a stronger South Africa. Investing in education is how we invest in the future we need.”
They chose to partner with Boston City Campus to help the missing middle — school leavers who don’t fully qualify for government financial aid but cannot afford tuition fees at the tertiary level.
The transaction is the latest investment by Sanlam Private Equity, which has also acquired a majority stake in Cavalier Group, a supplier of red meat, Q Link Holdings, SkipWaste, Danny’s Auto, S Bacher & Co and Trade On.
Moeketsi believes the deal also highlighted Sanlam’s strength as a private equity partner that brings more than capital to the table.
“We’re long-term investors. We understand the operational and strategic levers that help education businesses grow, especially in a highly regulated and purpose-driven environment,” he said.
“Our role is to back Boston’s vision, ensure good governance and support expansion that prioritises both sustainability and student outcomes.”
While the value of the deal remains undisclosed, Moeketsi said the investment reflected “a strong and material commitment to Boston’s future and to private equity’s role in reshaping the post-school education ecosystem”.
Founded by Ari Katz in 1991, Boston City Campus operates 47 campuses across South Africa, offering ICT infrastructure, student registration and support. It has a presence even in areas with limited access to traditional brick-and-mortar institutions.
At Sanlam Investments, we’re constantly asking: how do we back businesses that deliver real-world value? Boston is a perfect fit. It’s scalable, well-governed, and deeply impactful
— Gift Pule, principal at Sanalm Private Equity
Katz said Boston was proud to join forces with Sanlam to scale its efforts and shift the education landscape in South Africa.
“There were immediate synergies in terms of our mission and vision. We share the deep belief that we must support South Africa’s demographic dividend by giving young people the very best educational foundation to thrive. This underlies everything. It’s key to unlocking our nation’s promise for generations to come.”
Gift Pule, principal at Sanalm Private Equity, said the appeal of Boston City Campus was because the business “reimagined how higher education can work in South Africa. Their unique model, combining digital content delivery with nationwide student support, gives learners real proximity and practical training”.
Pule said education remained one of the most powerful levers of change in South Africa, and Boston was uniquely positioned to deliver on both access and quality.
“At Sanlam Investments, we’re constantly asking: how do we back businesses that deliver real-world value? Boston is a perfect fit. It’s scalable, well-governed, and deeply impactful.”
The company said the transaction also preserves more than 1,000 jobs within Boston’s current operational footprint and positions the institution to scale in response to rising demand for post-school education, workforce re-skilling, and lifelong learning.
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