The son of a widowed mother, Dr Chris van der Merwe rose from humble beginnings to found the JSE-listed Curro and later, Stadio – two of South Africa’s largest private education companies. No trust fund. No shortcuts.

Curro: The Art of Creating True Wealth is part memoir, part play book. As it outlines the group’s early challenges and bold solutions, it also traces one man’s unflagging journey of growth, sharing the habits, decisions, and frameworks that turned a Grade 5 teacher with a daring idea into the founder of two multi-billion-rand companies.

In this inspirational book Chris shares the message that every person, no matter how disadvantaged, can achieve great heights in life. This is not a get-rich-quick guide. It is an honest account of what it takes to do business innovatively and successfully in South Africa, and to forge a rewarding life.

‘A fabulous South African success story from passionate founder Chris van der Merwe, brought to life by the deep skills of Elmari Rautenbach.’ – Peter Bruce

 ‘From a modest start to market leader, Curro charts the rough and tumble journey of an education entrepreneur.’ – TJ Strydom