Introducing the Communiversity of South Africa
"The real gold of South Africa resides in our youth"
- Since 2012
- 2,350+ Graduates
- Five Locations
Welcome to an exciting pre-college prep programme!
A track record since 2012 with excellent and proven outcomes,the Communiversity model has been steadily built over the years…and yes, it really works!!
How can we make sure that every young person in South Africa gets a real chance to succeed in life?
The Communiversity of South Africa, founded in 2012, is a high-impact, innovative venture in community-based, college preparation education, offered at no cost to our students. The Communiversity educational model has been fully proven to accomplish its intended purposes and is continually updating its reach towards further success year after year. The model is cost-effective and easily scalable.
We meet our students right where they are:
Geographically
We operate within five campuses in five communities.
Academically
Relevant pre-college courses, workshops and TVET (Technical, Vocational, Education & Training) college or university placement
Personally
Courses and workshops focused on self-development
Communiversity Benefactor
"Broadcom Foundation’s decade-long investment in student success at the Communiversity of South Africa is one of its most rewarding philanthropic endeavors. Providing the tools and inspiration for personal and professional growth is the hallmark of Communiversity and of the Foundation, and it is a privilege to partner with this amazing program."
Paula Golden
President, Broadcom Foundation
Communiversity Partner
"Broadcom Foundation’s decade-long investment in student success at the Communiversity of South Africa is one of its most rewarding philanthropic endeavors. Providing the tools and inspiration for personal and professional growth is the hallmark of Communiversity and of the Foundation, and it is a privilege to partner with this amazing program."
"The Communiversity of South Africa is a valued partner of the College of Cape Town.I have witnessed first-hand the exceptional impact it has on students preparing for their educational journeys. It provides an intensive and comprehensive pre-college preparation programme that is crucial for high school students transitioning to a TVET college environment.
Their curriculum is designed not only to enhance academic skills but also to equip students with the confidence and resilience needed to thrive in higher education. This commitment to holistic student development is reflected in the impressive achievement of their graduates. In 2023, two of the top three award winners at the College of Cape Town were Communiversity graduates, a testament to the quality of education that the institution provides.
One of Communiversity's outstanding strengths is its ability to significantly reduce the drop-out rate among its students. By offering tailored support and resources, the Communiversity ensures that its graduates are not only ready for the academic challenges that lie ahead but also possess the necessary skills to navigate the college experience successfully.
The strong partnership between Communiversity and the College of Cape Town is a clear indication of the value that is placed on their programmes, and we greatly appreciate the collaboration that helps our students excel.
The Communiversity of South Africa's innovative approach and dedication to education make them an exceptional fit for any opportunity they pursue. Their impact on student success is profound, and I wholeheartedly endorse their efforts to empower young learners as they embark on their educational journeys."
Communiversity Graduate Merle Wildschut
Top Achiever NCV Primary Health Level 4 at College of Cape Town
Communiversity Graduate Shannon Diedricks
Top Achiever NCV Primary Health Level 3 AND Best Achiever across all exit level programmes at the College of Cape Town
Rebecca Moloto
TVET College of Cape Town, a college that welcomes Communiversity graduates.
Communiversity Graduate
"I just want to say thank you to the Communiversity of South Africa to have given me a light for my future. The Communiversity showed me that I can still go on with my studies. All the lecturers were there to teach us everything. They are there for their students and they make sure that we understand what they teach."
"They make sure that we pass. They make sure that we do the work. They understand us. They understand that we come from poor families, yet they treat us as equal. They make sure that are on the same level. They make sure that we achieve our goals. They are always encouraging us. I am happy now because I know that next year I am going to study and start my dream to improve our lives. Thank you to everyone!"
Anelisiwe
Accepted into Office Administration at the TVET College of Cape Town
Our Top Features
BRIDGES THE GAP
The Communiversity of South Africa offers a 14-week college preparation program that bridges the dramatic nationwide gap between high school and college.
It provides a powerful, realistic and well-trodden pathway for struggling students who have previously been rejected by the local colleges and who have limited or no other chances in life—and offers a pathway that prepares them for entering higher education or other further opportunities.
STUDENT SUCCESS
Approximately 90-98% of Communiversity graduates gain entry into TVET colleges, other colleges or universities or training programs each year.
COMMUNITY-BASED PARTNERSHIPS
Students attend a "campus" based within their own or a nearby community. Each Communiversity campus is grounded in safe, stable local partnerships and located in increasing numbers of communities.
The program is currently underway in 5 Cape Town communities: Khayelitsha, Hanover Park/Lansdowne, Beacon Valley (Mitchells Plain), Masiphumelele, and Tokai.
COLLEGE PREPARATION INSTRUCTION
All students take all courses. Pre-college preparation level instruction includes both academic and personal development courses designed to give students an all-around, holistic preparation for college-level instruction and also provides courses aimed at self-development.
English, Mathematical Literacy, Computer Skills, Engineering Science, Personal Finance, Transcendental Meditation (TM), Debating, and Career Guidance and Placement, along with intensive workshops on Entrepreneurship, Goal-Setting and Environmental Issues. (See more detailed Course Descriptions in later section.)
STABLE HIGHER EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLEGE ENTRY
Communiversity graduates have a higher rate of acceptance to college due in part to their pre-college preparation but also to the cumulative success of Communiversity alumni who came before them.
Strong and mutually-respectful relationships have been developed with local colleges due to Communiversity alumni successes. The colleges seek out Communiversity graduates who are overall more likely to take their college program seriously and finish their degrees than those less prepared coming straight from high school.
LOW-COST TO RUN, NO COST TO STUDENTS
The Communiversity is low-cost due to the shared support provided by the communities. It is 100% privately-funded and each Communiversity student receives a full bursary/scholarship.
Communiversity Graduate
"Communiversity came to my rescue. Without it, I'd probably be sitting at home very much jobless and with no way to have further education."
"I'd say it is the stepping stone for me, honestly speaking, as it helped me acquire more knowledge than I ever did in high school. For example, communication and critical thinking skills that are basically forced out of you like with Mr. Meyer. For as long as I live, I doubt I’ll ever forget his words to us, “It’s not what you think—it’s how to think
Thank you to David Yutar. If not for him, I'd never learn to love and appreciate English literature and discover my deep love for fiction and writing, and he helped me to punctuate better and communicate effectively Computer studies with Wade is and was my favourite of all the subjects -- something I've always wanted to learn and dive into. And thanks to Wilco, I'm able to explore into career fields and study paths. Thank you so much to Communiversity and everyone who made these opportunities possible, shaping us into the best we can be and really helping and moulding us into people and adults equipped with vision, goals and critical thinking skills.
Now down to my favourite part – Transcendental Meditation—where do I even begin-- wow - what a game changer! Me, being .. well, me, I never thought anything about meditation and the benefits it could have until it was introduced to us and man, was I pleased by the outcome. At first, I was skeptical. But as of now I'm proud to say that the meditation really helped me with anxiety and depression so my word to all reading this, don't knock it till you try it. It really helps.
Communiversity also really helped me find my footing in life and helped me even build people skills and learn how to communicate fluently in most environments, as well as building character and a critical thinking mindset. I want to thank everyone, including the monitors. They really strive to get at campus early in the morning and make it their top priority to watch over us and insure we do our best… THEY are really the best -- always cheerful, never really in a sour mood unless we are the cause of it. I send out my gratitude and heartfelt thanks to each and every one -- from the monitors to the teachers to the sponsors responsible for this amazing program.
I can truly say I was lost but thanks to Communiversity, I am found."
Cameron
Accepted to study Robotics at False Bay TVET College.
"The Communiversity is the only community-based, pre-college prep programme in the Western Cape, giving hope to our youth!"
Mejury Mushanguri
Phambili Programme Manager: Youth, Ikamva Labantu
A Three-Part Model Pre-College Program: Curriculum, Process and Placement
The Communiversity provides in-depth, relevant education for those post-secondary students wanting to go to college and/or wanting to prepare for promising careers. From its start, it has organically grown over the years to become a highly successful programme with the ultimate aim of preparing young people to become outstanding college students, employees, entrepreneurs, as well as community and national leaders.
"I commend the Communiversity program for its exceptional efforts in bridging the gap between high school and college, and for providing a valuable second chance to learners. The program goes beyond immediate educational experiences to invest in the lasting success and well-being of its learners. The dedication to the long-term success of participants is truly noteworthy. The post-program support and the ability to keep track of learners beyond the program's duration demonstrate a genuine commitment to their ongoing development."
Nolitha January
Debating Facilitator, Operations Manager, Tore’s Foundation
The Communiversity provides live interactive courses and workshops,along with introductions to various career fields.
English Communication
Developing proficiency and accuracy in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills with a focus on English at work -- and in other real-life situations.
Mathematics Literacy
Preparing students for college programs such as finance, business and IT while learning math principles and applications within everyday experiences.
Introduction to Engineering Science
Discovering the underlying scientific foundations for college courses and careers in electrical, mechanical, solar, civil and building engineering.
Computer Skills
Instruction in computer basics and in Computer Application Technology (CAT), along with introductions to coding and A.I. – to prepare student’s computer skills for every field.
Introduction to Personal Finance
Understanding and experiencing the relationship of finance to responsibilities in one’s own life and in relation to family, to the community and to the nation.
Debating
Learning how to express personal viewpoints and communicate with others and how to experience every side of any discussion.
Career Guidance & Placement
Choosing the right college and career path based both on personal goals and assessments of individual talents and skills in the light of national needs, along with college or training programs application assistance.
Cognitive Development & Stress Management
Self-management through the technique of Transcendental Meditation (TM), a daily, quiet time, stress management, brain-developing programme. All students are given the opportunity to learn Transcendental Meditation (TM). They then practice it in the classroom for 15 minutes before classes in the morning and again after classes in the afternoon. (Students who do not wish to learn rest quietly during that time.)
Students meditating to release stress and develop cognition for better learning.
Communiversity Graduate
"I deeply appreciated the trip to the Aquarium, where I gained a wealth of knowledge about the diverse marine life in the South African marine ecosystem. This visit was particularly special to me as it fulfilled a lifelong dream of mine."
Abdulraheem
Accepted to study Engineering and Related Design at the College of Cape Town.
Students are provided with in-depth workshops that include a personal goal-setting program with follow-up small group meetings, an environmental workshop along with a trip to the Two Oceans Aquarium, and a 3-day workshop on entrepreneurship provided by JASA.
"The partnership has been a tremendous success over the past years."
Junior Achievement South Africa would like to thank The Communiversity of South Africa managers, facilitators and learners for their support and participation in the Social Equity programmes. Communiversity students participate in the three-day Social Equity Business Entrepreneurship Program, including all aspects of Business Entrepreneurship: Setting up a business, completing the lean canvas, holistic development, project management, presentation and interview skills.
The program concludes with the companies competing in a pitch presentation. The winning three companies receive business mentorship to grow their business ideas. The program is a Harvard University-approved program and is offered worldwide…. The commitment, enthusiasm and participation of the learners is phenomenal and it is a great pleasure to work with them. We trust that the partnership between Junior Achievement South Africa and The Communiversity of South Africa continues next year and beyond."
Elena Meyer
Former Junior Achievement Partner, Western Cape
Communiversity Graduate
"One of the highlights was the Junior Achievement of South Africa (JASA) Digital Entrepreneurship Education program. It was interactive and practical. My favourite part of the program was having to come up with a business idea using all the advice and pointers we received. I didn’t know that I could be so innovative and be able to come up with a business idea that will benefit everyone and even the planet, but my team's business idea won first place and that is a proud moment in my life. It gave me the confidence that I am capable of anything that I put my mind to. It was life-changing and now, I always look forward to the new day and how I will impact others."
Elisha
Accepted to study Hospitality at False Bay College.
Presenting business proposals at the JASA entrepreneurship workshop
- Students come together 5 days a week for 14 weeks in nearby classrooms provided by our community partners and participate in one of five groups based on geography. The fact thatthey are in a classroom group together rather than sitting at home alone with a laptop is key.
- Adult monitors from the communities are in the classrooms offering a loving, family-feeling environment for learning while taking attendance and providing emotional support for the students while addressing any behavioral issues.
- Faculty members teach live from their own venues on Zoom so they don’t have to drive to four or five locations and classrooms either daily or weekly. Classes are live and fully interactive; students are expected to speak up and ask or answer questions and to also help each other.
- The Communiversity administration team oversees each class to provide help with technical or any other issues, bringing the most pressing concerns to the entire Communiversity team.
- Students sign Codes of Honour and Commitment forms at the outset, pledging to attend all classes, to be on time, to be respectful and supportive of their facilitators, monitors, and their classmates, to honour and commit to their own growth and rising self-worth and self-confidence.
Communiversity Graduate
"I thank you for believing in me, inspiring me, and pushing me to reach for the stars. I am sincerely grateful to every educator and administrator at Communiversity. Their hard work, guidance, and belief in me have shaped the person I am today. To see their efforts combined with my own, pay off so beautifully means more to me than I can ever express.
"As I sit here reflecting on the news, I honestly don’t know how to fully express the joy I feel. The closest I can come is to say that I’m in complete bliss, like sitting on cloud nine after surviving a storm. This opportunity has filled me with so much contentment, gratitude, and hope."
My journey from Communiversity to this moment has paved the way for me to finally spread my wings and fly on my own, the way I was always meant to. In the past, I would often question myself and doubt my abilities, even when deep down I knew I was capable of achieving the opportunities placed in front of me. All I needed was a small nudge, a bit of reassurance, to help me believe in myself. Wilco and the entire Communiversity team gave me exactly that.
When I say the pre-college program at Communiversity came in clutch, I truly mean it. Every lesson played a part, from Wilco’s career guidance sessions to Sir David’s English classes where he prepared us for interviews. Even the lessons I thought I would never need, like Wade’s Computer Science class on formatting documents and inserting multiple files into a single PDF, turned out to be essential. In fact, that was the very first step of PathCare’s selection process: sending a perfectly organised email with everything in the correct order. Because of Wade’s lessons, I knew exactly how to handle it.
Their support helped me overcome fears I didn’t even realise were holding me back. Knowing that someone was quietly rooting for me, guiding me, and standing in my corner made all the difference."
Suwayba
Accepted into the PathCare Phlebotomy Learnership to be trained as a phlebotomist.
"The learners who were enrolled at the Communiversity before entering our college are very confident and able to deal with challenges in a more mature manner. Our staff and faculty notice that they need fewer interventions with Communiversity graduates and can thus focus on teaching. It helps our college improve the results of our faculty."
Jeremy Schuster
Asst. Director, Occupational Training, False Bay TVET College
- Most students are uncertain about what careers exist and/or what courses of study they have the best chance of being accepted into.
- To personally assist them, Communiversity students receive in-depth individual sessions along with group mentoring experiences, to help them identify the career and college choices that open the most likely beneficial pathways for the future and further ensure the best placement into college or university, or to enter an apprenticeship, a learnership or employment, along with considerations of transport costs.
- Student applications to a number of college or university programs are overseen by full-time Communiversity placement officers who support each student with expert guidance -- and who have established positive professional relationships with each of the local higher education institutions, based on the success of previous Communiversity graduates, thereby helping to further facilitate the placement of qualified Communiversity graduates.
- The majority of local technical and other colleges and universities in Cape Town offer entrance to Communiversity graduates with full scholarships in work-relevant fields such as IT, construction, tourism, robotics, hospitality/culinary, teaching, nursing, business administration and engineering.
The tertiary institutions where our students have been placed include:
- False Bay TVET College
- Northlink TVET College
- TVET College of Cape Town
- TVET West Coast College
- TVET Boland College
- TVET South Cape College
- TVET South-West College
- TVET Central Johannesburg College
- University of Stellenbosch
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- TSIBA
- University of South Africa
- North-West University
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Fort Hare
- Nelson Mandela University
- Walter Sisulu University
Our Outcomes: Communiversity Graduate Placement Results
- Following their participation in the 14-week programme, each year 90%-98% of Communiversity graduates have been accepted into TVET (Technical, Vocational, Education and Training) colleges and into universities even though almost all had been previous rejected by these same institutions.
- Double the national rates of continuation of college studies: Twice the number of Communiversity students are staying on track to graduate from college when compared with their peers.
- Triple the national college completion rates Those Communiversity alumni who complete their college programs are graduating at nearly three times the rate of their peers.
How Do Higher Education Outcomes for Communiversity Graduates Measure Up?
An extensive research study on Communiversity outcomes has been undertaken in two phases: Phase One focuses on placement statistics and Phase Two focuses on alumni statistics. Read The Phase Two Results
PHASE ONE RESULTS
Phase One of the study identified the college and other placements of our graduates from 2021-2024. When compared to national SA statistics, and looking at both the placement rates of Communiversity graduates into college/university and the rates of entry into employment from 2021-2024, those students who graduated from the 14-week Communiversity programme have significantly higher college/university entry rates than the national average of high school graduates, both within their demographic and countrywide. And if they were not entering college or completing college, they were also more likely to secure employment.
There were a total of 695 graduates from the Communiversity during the years 2021 through 2024.
- 632 of these graduates gained entry into a TVET college or university.
- The average higher education placement rate for these four years was 91%.
Comparing to the national average.
- Roughly 80% of student applications to TVET colleges are rejected, based on a ratio of one successful enrolment for every five applications or a 20% acceptance rate.
- Communiversity graduates are accepted into in TVET colleges and universities at an acceptance rate of between 90% - 98%, averaging between nine and ten successful enrolments out of every ten applications.
- This means that if you are a successful graduate from Communiversity and want to pursue higher education, unlike your schoolmates applying to a TVET college or a university directly from high school, you will have at least a 90%- 98% chance of being accepted into a TVET college or university compared to a 20% chance without the Communiversity programme.
The Communiversity of South Africa College/University/Employment Placements 2021-2024
From 2021-2024, over 90% of Communiversity graduates were accepted into TVET colleges or universities, with some into learnerships and a few into employment. Of the students who had been through the Communiversity program, there was an average dropout rate of 12%, far less than the national college dropout rate of between 60%-80%.
- 161 Total graduates
- 159 Gained entry into college/university or employment
- 99% Placement rate
Of the 49% (79) alumni interviewed, 25% still completing their studies
Of the others, 62% are employed
- 179 Total graduates
- 178 Gained entry into college/university or employment
- 99% Placement rate
Of the 49% (87) alumni interviewed, 56% still completing their studies
Of the others, 26% now employed
- 180 Total graduates
- 169 Gained entry into college/university or employment
- 94% Placement rate
Of the 57% (102) alumni interviewed, 69% still completing their studies
Of the others, 82% now employed
- 175 Total graduates
- 162 Gained entry into college/university or employment
- 93% Placement rate
Of the 84% (147) alumni interviewed,119 still completing their studies
Of the others, 15% now employed
