Construction is imminent for a new R3.2 billion private Afrikaans university campus in Pretoria, South Africa, marking one of the largest private sector capital expenditure projects in the country recently. The official building phase is scheduled to begin in January 2026.
Project Scope and Scale
The new campus, developed by the Solidarity Movement in partnership with Kanton, is designed to serve as a fixed, world-class academic home for Afrikaans higher education.
- Capacity: Over 6,000 students (approximately 5,000 undergraduate and 1,500 postgraduate).
- Completion Target: The main construction (Phase 1) is expected to be completed by January 2028, allowing first-year students to register in 2028.
- Facilities: Modern lecture halls, multiple laboratories, research spaces, a fully-equipped library, a central student hub, dining facilities, a classical chapel, a 2,000-seat auditorium, and eight residences.
- Sustainability: The campus is being designed for maximum self-reliance on the national energy and water distribution grids. The plans include laying 23 kilometers of underground pipes and constructing over 19 million litres of water storage capacity.
Akademia’s Expansion and Future
The development represents a significant step for Akademia, the institution that will occupy the campus. Since 2012, Akademia has utilized interim solutions, launching its first full-time campus model in 2021. The new facility will allow Akademia to consolidate its offerings and foster a more active student life.
In addition to academic infrastructure, the campus will feature extensive:
- Commercial Amenities: Various restaurants and cafes.
- Sports Facilities: Indoor and outdoor facilities, including rugby, cricket, tennis, athletics, and swimming.
- Specialized Facilities: An experimental farm to support future programs in natural and agricultural sciences.
Financing and Timeline
Kanton is the financing vehicle for the development, having initially raised capital from institutions and wealthy individuals. They plan to offer community members an opportunity for smaller investments once a critical amount of funds is secured.
The construction is phased:
| Phase | Start Date | End Date | Cost/Notes |
| Phase 1 Construction | January 2026 | December 2027 | R1.8 billion (approx.) and scheduled for completion by January 1, 2028. |
| Phase 2 Construction | January 2028 | December 2029 | The remainder of the total R3+ billion development cost. |
Kanton Managing Director Henk Schalekamp highlights the project as a “fruit of a partnership between culture and capital,” emphasizing that they are building a living space where the Afrikaans language and community can flourish, while also creating wealth for investors.
