IT Varsity snaps up local language apps provider

Xander Apps, the home of early childhood development (ECD) educational apps, has been acquired by Durban-based CompuKids ‒ IT Varsity for an undisclosed amount.

Founded by Sibella Knott-Craig in 2015, Xander Apps was created to make it easy for young children to learn-through-play, and master new skills in their own languages.

The acquisition sees Knott-Craig step down as CEO and founder, and IT Varsity founder and CEO Bilal Kathrada take over.

Kathrada is described as someone who is no stranger to the edtech community, with experience in software development and education, as well as digital training.

“Sibella and her team have produced some truly amazing products, and we are honoured to be the new custodians of the Xander Apps. The Xander suite fits well into our strategic vision to make education accessible to kids all over the continent,” he says.

Speaking about the origins of Xander Apps, Knott-Craig says her intention was to create digital content for mothers, like herself, to engage with technology that is age-appropriate, educational, free from advertisements, and in local languages.

“I wanted to encourage responsible use of technology and focus on the benefits it could offer. I never dreamed this idea would grow into the largest library of home language ECD apps in South Africa, with over 80 apps in eight languages.

“Xander has outgrown me, and for that I’m grateful. I wish Bilal and his team at CompuKids all the best in educating future generations.”

The Xander Apps are available in Afrikaans, English, Zulu, Xhosa, Tswana, Sotho, Swahili or Shona, and can be downloaded from the iStore and Google Play store.