Eastern Cape Education Development Trust

Established to enable business to support the growth and development of education in the Eastern Cape, the Eastern Cape Development Trust is an essential partner in turning the Eastern Cape’s education landscape around.
In 1998, Nelson Mandela called upon the business sector to become more active in supporting education, because he recognised the power which education has to transform our society. This led to the Eastern Cape Department of Education partnering with BHP Billiton, Transnet and Zenex, in the establishment of the Eastern Cape Education Development Trust.

After a period of dormancy, the National Business Initiative was appointed to provide the administrative and technical support necessary to enable the resuscitation of the Eastern Cape Education Development Trust. During this time, the Trust embarked upon an exciting programme with Stellenbosch University, which has seen the roll-out of satellite broadcasts, through the Telematics Schools Project, to almost 500 schools. This gives all learners in these and surrounding schools access to extra lessons in key subjects.

In 2016 the trustees took decisive action to ensure that the Eastern Cape Education Development Trust would be well positioned to truly benefit education across the Eastern Cape. The Board of Trustees was enhanced by the appointment of 5 additional and the establishment of an administrative office, which currently comprises a full time Executive Manager and Project Administrator.

2017 set the foundations for the Eastern Cape Education Development Trust to make a massive positive impact on education in the Eastern Cape. Much attention has been given to ensuring that all the systems and processes are in place to ensure good governance, transparency and accountability. This has been coupled by a concerted effort to establish and re-establish connections with the business sector, implementing agents, academic institutions and government.