CIDA City Campus is Africa’s first and only virtually free university for the poor, based in Johannesburg. Based in Johannesburg and established in 2000, CIDA offers world-class, holistic, relevant business education at a very low cost to students who otherwise never would have had access to further education. The model utilises professional lecturers, combining technology with contact-based learning, leading to an accredited degree in Business Administration with the opportunity to specialise in key areas such as entrepreneurship, marketing, finance or IT. Hundreds of graduates are already in the workforce, proving that CIDA has achieved a practical model that converts youth who are potentially seen as liabilities into leaders.

enterprise and employment

CIDA City Campus is a response to the skills gap in South Africa— the terrible reality of thousands of jobs for the taking but not enough qualified graduates, especially from previously disadvantaged communities. CIDA’s main activities are:

Bachelor of Business Administration. There are currently over 1,000 students across the 3-year programme, receiving the academic and personal support vital to their success, and the opportunity to specialise in key areas such as entrepreneurship, marketing, finance or IT. CIDA works with local networks to find these students internships in 3rd year, and jobs upon graduation, capitalising on the hidden potential within Africa’s best natural resource—its people.

Branson School for Entrepreneurship at CIDA. This faculty within the BBA allows its students to learn how to think entrepreneurially and how to start a business. The CIDA Seed fund provides loans to students to get their businesses off the ground, and incubator space is available for students, providing infrastructure and guidance.

CIDA Foundation College and Life Skills Programme. These two programmes were established for the thousands of youngsters who are talented but need remedial studies before accessing the BBA directly. Foundation College is a year-long, full-board programme for 300 students a year. The Life Skills programme addresses AIDS orphans and at-risk youth who need more basic training in life skills; 98% of the 2005 intake went on to Foundation College, and more than two thirds of Foundation School students went on to the BBA.