South African businessman and Sabvest Capital chief executive Chris Seabrooke has made a substantial contribution to the University of the Witwatersrand, with his family trust donating shares worth approximately R204.4 million to the institution.
The Seabrooke Family Trust transferred 1.4 million Sabvest Capital shares to the Witwatersrand University Foundation in a donation valued at about $12.6 million.
The off-market transaction was completed on 22 September 2026 and subsequently disclosed to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
Donation to support Wits Arts Precinct
The shares were transferred without any cash changing hands. Their R204.4 million valuation was based on Sabvest’s share price of R146 on the day of the transaction.
The donation has been earmarked to support the development of Wits University’s Arts Precinct, providing the institution with a significant long-term asset rather than a once-off cash contribution.
Because the donation consists of shares, the university foundation could also benefit from future dividends generated by the investment.
Family trust retains control of Sabvest
Despite transferring the shares, the Seabrooke family’s control of Sabvest Capital is not expected to be affected.
The family trust’s economic interest in the company falls from 42.6% to 38.8% following the transaction.
However, Sabvest’s filings indicate that the trust retains voting control through an unlisted Z share. As a result, the donation reduces the family’s economic interest without removing its control over the company.
The distinction between economic ownership and voting control is significant because it allows the trust to make a sizeable philanthropic contribution while maintaining its position at Sabvest.
A donation with potential recurring income
The structure of the gift also means Wits receives an income-generating asset.
Sabvest declared a dividend of 90 cents per share for 2023. At 1.4 million shares, a dividend at that level would amount to more than R1.2 million in annual income, although future dividends can vary.
This gives the university foundation the potential to benefit from both the underlying value of the shares and future distributions.
Seabrooke’s links to Wits and the arts
Seabrooke has longstanding connections to both Wits and South Africa’s arts sector.
He completed an MBA at Wits after earning commerce and accountancy degrees at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
His involvement in the arts has included serving as chairman of the South African State Theatre and deputy chairman of the inaugural board of the National Arts Council of South Africa.
Seabrooke joined Sabvest in 1980 and became chief executive seven years later. The company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 1988 as Sabvest Limited and adopted the Sabvest Capital name in 2020.
The investment group has interests in several businesses, including DRA Global through its Apex investment vehicle and electrical distributor ARB.
A major contribution to South African higher education
The R204.4 million donation represents a significant contribution to a single South African university.
For comparison, the Motsepe Foundation donated R30 million across all 26 South African universities in 2023.
The Sabvest share transfer was formally reported in line with applicable disclosure requirements, including section 122 of the Companies Act and Johannesburg Stock Exchange listing rules.
Rand Merchant Bank acted as the transaction’s sponsor.
The contribution gives Wits a sizeable investment asset while supporting the university’s plans for its Arts Precinct, marking a significant philanthropic commitment from the Seabrooke family.
