The Higher‑ED Access Fund is designed for organisations seeking meaningful transformation and compliance outcomes. Financial services firms benefit directly: under the Financial Sector Code (FSC), contributions to approved education funds count towards bonus points on the socio‑economic development (SED) and access‑to‑finance scorecard elements. Non‑financial corporates can treat contributions as SED spend under the B‑BBEE Codes of Good Practice. Donations may also qualify for a Section 18A tax deduction, reducing the net cost. Beyond compliance, investors gain access to a future talent pool—graduates in priority fields who have already been exposed to your company’s culture during internships and vacation work. The fund’s governance and reporting frameworks provide assurance that funds are used appropriately, and because it is a pooled structure, investors benefit from economies of scale in administration, university partnerships and student support services.

Unlike a conventional unit trust, the Higher‑ED Access Fund is an impact investment vehicle: contributions are used to finance students, not to generate market returns. The “return” to investors takes the form of transformation compliance, talent development and reputational capital. For financial institutions subject to the FSC, investments earn up to two bonus points on the scorecard. Donors also receive detailed impact reports—number of students supported, demographic breakdown, pass rates, absorption into employment and stories demonstrating social upliftment. The fund is managed by an independent board of trustees with fiduciary responsibilities, audited annually and subject to oversight from relevant SETAs and verification agencies. While no financial yield is promised, many investors see indirect financial benefits: reduced recruitment costs, improved staff diversity and stronger relationships with regulators and clients who prioritise ESG and transformation.

The Higher‑ED Access Fund finances students for the duration of their programmes—typically three to four years for a degree, with some shorter diplomas and longer professional qualifications. To ensure continuity, investors are encouraged to commit annual contributions for at least the length of a cohort’s studies. However, the fund can accommodate one‑off donations or multi‑year pledges depending on your budget cycle. The process to get started is straightforward: engage Okiru for a needs assessment and proposal, agree on the contribution amount and duration, and sign a funding agreement. Okiru handles compliance checks, sets up the necessary legal and banking structures, and provides regular reporting. Note that university applications and funding decisions follow an annual cycle, usually closing in September/October for the next academic year, so engaging early maximises your impact. While the fund does not lock you into a long‑term financial instrument like the old Fundisa scheme, a multi‑year commitment is the best way to ensure students complete their studies and that your organisation receives full compliance benefits.