Institutional capital supports township centres

WITH more than 80% of South African Grade 4 learners unable to read for meaning in any language, the country is facing a deepening early literacy crisis that threatens long-term social and economic progress.

- STAFF REPORTER

Experts agree that the roots of this challenge lie in the critical early development years — yet many Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in township and informal areas remain under-resourced and unsupported. Recognising the urgent need for systemic change, Ashburton Investments is channelling institutional capital directly toward early learning outcomes.

With a specific focus on classroom resourcing, Ashburton directed the June earnings from two of its flagship investment funds — backed by institutional investors such as local retail, investment, and development banks - to support ECD centres in Orange Grove and Alexandra informal settlement through the work of the Impilo Collection Foundation.“The asset management industry needs to come together to ensure that institutional capital is directed towards making a tangible difference where it is needed most, for long-term, sustainable socioeconomic impact.