Two Oceans Graduate Institute
About Us
Teaching Qualification for Those Who Aspire to Shape the Minds of Tomorrow
History & Background
Two Oceans Graduate Institute (TOGI) was established in 2017 by Mrs. Ashra Norton and Dr. Ali Adam, guided by a shared vision to create a transformative educational institution. Founded under the provisions of the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997, TOGI embodies the spirit of innovation and diversity that this legislation encourages, standing proudly as a private higher education provider within South Africa’s dynamic educational landscape.
From the outset, TOGI has been dedicated to one critical mission: advancing teacher education. By launching its flagship programme, the Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Intermediate Phase Teaching in 2017, TOGI addressed significant challenges in literacy and numeracy education in primary schools. This commitment laid a solid foundation for enhancing educational standards across South Africa, driving excellence in both secondary and tertiary sectors.
Recognition of TOGI’s commitment to quality came swiftly. In February 2017, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) formally acknowledged TOGI as a private higher education provider. This milestone followed the successful accreditation of the BEd (Intermediate Phase Teaching) programme by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and its registration with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
TOGI’s journey of growth and innovation continued in 2020 with the accreditation of the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching. The first cohort of PGCE students embarked on their studies in January 2021, successfully graduating in December of the same year.
In 2022, TOGI further expanded its academic offerings by achieving accreditation for the Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Foundation Phase Teaching. This significant achievement was followed by the enrolment of the first cohort of Foundation Phase students in January 2023, underscoring TOGI’s ongoing commitment to shaping the future of South African education. Building on this momentum, TOGI launched the Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching qualification, with the first intake of students planned for admission in 2026.
Today, TOGI stands as a beacon of excellence in teacher education, inspiring a new generation of educators to lead with confidence, compassion, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
| Founding Director
Dr Ali Adam
| Founding Director
Mrs Ashra Norton
| Chief Executive Officer
Dr Lourens Erasmus
The Foundation has been instrumental in establishing several private schools in various communities. The purpose of these schools is the restoration of local communities through the provision of quality education. A strong focus is placed on leadership development as well as on post-school education and training. One of these schools, established in Manenburg in Cape Town in 2011, provides free education to academically gifted children from a community with considerable socioeconomic shortfalls.
Against this background, the Foundation saw the need for teacher training. During 2012, the Foundation took the decisive step towards establishing a private higher education institution with the primary purpose of training teachers. After a process of broad consultation with government bodies, higher education institutions, stakeholders and experts in the field, the Foundation applied for the accreditation of a B.Ed. (Intermediate Phase) qualification in September 2012. The result was the establishment of the Two Oceans Graduate Institute and the enrollment of the first students in June 2017. This initiative accords with the work of the Foundation in the provision of quality education within the context of diverse educational and socioeconomic needs.
1st Floor, Pinewood Park, 98 Forest Dr Service Rd,
Pinelands, Cape Town,
7405