Fundisa vs MyEncore: School Management Software Compared

South African schools searching for a MyEncore alternative face a critical decision: which school management system delivers modern features without breaking the budget or requiring double data entry? Both Fundisa and MyEncore target public schools seeking to move beyond SA-SAMS limitations, but they take fundamentally different approaches to pricing, SA-SAMS integration, and parent communication. This comprehensive comparison examines features, pricing, SA-SAMS sync capabilities, parent communication tools, fee collection, and support to help schools make an informed choice.

If you’re evaluating MyEncore pricing against alternatives, or comparing Fundisa vs MyEncore for your school, this guide breaks down where each system excels and where they fall short. We’ll be honest about both platforms’ strengths and limitations, helping you understand which solution fits your school’s specific needs, budget, and technical requirements.

Understanding the Market: Why Schools Compare Fundisa and MyEncore

Both Fundisa and MyEncore position themselves as modern alternatives to SA-SAMS, targeting South African public schools frustrated with government system limitations. However, their approaches differ significantly:

MyEncore has been in the market longer, targeting public schools with moderate budgets (R30,000–R80,000 per year). It offers CAPS-aligned assessment, fee management, and parent communication via email and SMS. However, schools must manually export data from MyEncore and import it into SA-SAMS for DBE compliance — creating a double data entry burden.

Fundisa is newer but built specifically to eliminate double entry through automatic SA-SAMS synchronisation. It targets affordability (R499–R2,999 per month), offline capability for load-shedding resilience, and WhatsApp-first parent communication. Schools work in Fundisa day-to-day, and data flows to SA-SAMS automatically.

The key differentiator isn’t just features — it’s how each system handles SA-SAMS compliance. Schools choosing MyEncore accept manual export/import processes. Schools choosing Fundisa eliminate double entry entirely.

Feature Comparison: Fundisa vs MyEncore

Feature	Fundisa	MyEncore
Pricing	R499–R2,999/month	R30,000–R80,000/year
SA-SAMS Sync	Automatic bidirectional	Manual export/import
LURITS Integration	Automatic	Manual
Offline Mode	Yes (works during load-shedding)	No
Parent Communication	WhatsApp/SMS/App	Email/SMS
WhatsApp Integration	Yes (no app downloads required)	No
Fee Collection	Online payments (Ozow, PayShap, Capitec Pay)	Yes (details vary)
CAPS Assessment	Pre-configured rating codes and structures	Configurable
Report Cards	Customisable templates with AI comments	Yes
Mobile App	Yes (offline-capable for teachers)	Limited
Multi-language Support	English/Afrikaans/Zulu/Xhosa/Sotho	English/Afrikaans
Data Entry	Single entry (auto-syncs to SA-SAMS)	Double entry required
Target Market	Public & independent schools	Public schools
Support	Email/phone/WhatsApp	Email/phone
Free Tier	Yes (Quintile 1–3 schools)	No

Detailed Feature Analysis

SA-SAMS Synchronisation: The Critical Difference

Fundisa: Automatic bidirectional synchronisation eliminates double data entry entirely. Schools capture learner data, marks, attendance, and compliance information in Fundisa’s modern interface. The system automatically formats and syncs this data to SA-SAMS in the correct format for DBE compliance. When SA-SAMS is down or patches are delayed, Fundisa continues working normally — schools simply sync when SA-SAMS becomes available again. No manual export/import processes required.

MyEncore: Requires manual export/import processes. Schools capture data in MyEncore for daily operations, then must export data and import it into SA-SAMS manually for DBE compliance. This creates a double data entry burden — administrative staff capture the same information twice, doubling workload and increasing error risk. When SA-SAMS is down, schools cannot complete compliance submissions until both systems are available.

Winner: Fundisa — automatic sync eliminates double entry and provides reliability during SA-SAMS outages.

Offline Capability: Load-Shedding Resilience

Fundisa: Built with offline-first architecture using service workers and IndexedDB. Teachers can capture marks and attendance on their smartphones during load-shedding or in rural schools with unreliable connectivity. Data syncs automatically when connectivity returns. This is critical for South African schools facing regular power outages.

MyEncore: Requires constant internet connectivity. When power fails or connectivity drops, MyEncore becomes unusable. Schools must maintain paper records during outages and re-enter data when connectivity returns, creating additional work and transcription errors.

Winner: Fundisa — offline mode is essential for South African schools facing load-shedding.

Parent Communication: WhatsApp vs Email/SMS

Fundisa: WhatsApp-first parent communication delivers messages via WhatsApp Business API — the channel 97% of South African parents already use. No app downloads required for parents. SMS fallback for feature phones. Digital consent forms, read receipts, class-specific broadcasts, and event RSVPs. Multi-language message templates support diverse school communities.

MyEncore: Email and SMS communication tools. Parents must check email or receive SMS messages. No WhatsApp integration means schools miss the primary communication channel used by most South African parents. Limited to English and Afrikaans.

Winner: Fundisa — WhatsApp integration reaches more parents without requiring app downloads.

Pricing: Monthly vs Annual Contracts

Fundisa: Transparent monthly pricing (R499–R2,999 per month) with annual payment discounts. Free tier available for Quintile 1–3 schools. No setup fees or hidden costs. Pricing scales with school size (learner count). Schools can cancel monthly without long-term commitments.

MyEncore: Annual contracts ranging from R30,000–R80,000 per year depending on school size. Requires annual commitment. No free tier available. Setup fees may apply (varies by implementation).

Winner: Fundisa — more affordable monthly pricing and free tier for no-fee schools.

CAPS Assessment Alignment

Fundisa: Pre-configured CAPS assessment structures for Foundation Phase (rating codes 1–4), Intermediate Phase, Senior Phase, and FET (rating codes 1–7). Formal assessment task management with SBA/exam weighting built-in. Report card templates aligned to CAPS requirements per phase and grade. AI-assisted comment generation.

MyEncore: CAPS-aligned assessment structures that are configurable. Schools can set up assessment structures to match CAPS requirements, but configuration requires setup time. Report card generation available.

Winner: Tie — both support CAPS, but Fundisa’s pre-configured structures reduce setup time.

Mobile Functionality

Fundisa: Full-featured mobile app (PWA with native wrapper) for iOS and Android. Teacher app supports offline mark entry, attendance capture, parent messaging, and timetable access. Parent app provides reports, attendance, fees, and communication. Optimised for low-bandwidth connections (2G/3G).

MyEncore: Limited mobile functionality. Basic mobile features available but not fully offline-capable. Mobile experience may be limited compared to desktop.

Winner: Fundisa — comprehensive offline-capable mobile apps for teachers and parents.

Multi-Language Support

Fundisa: English and Afrikaans from launch, with Zulu, Xhosa, and Sotho support in Phase 2. Critical for parent communication in diverse school communities where parents may not speak English or Afrikaans fluently.

MyEncore: English and Afrikaans only. May limit communication effectiveness in multilingual communities.

Winner: Fundisa — broader language support improves parent engagement.

Pricing Comparison: Total Cost of Ownership

When evaluating MyEncore pricing against Fundisa, schools must consider total cost of ownership over 3–5 years, not just initial pricing.

Fundisa Pricing

Free Tier: R0/month (Quintile 1–3 schools, forever free)
Starter: R499/month or R4,990/year (up to 500 learners)
Professional: R1,499/month or R14,990/year (up to 1,500 learners)
Premium: R2,999/month or R29,990/year (unlimited learners)

3-year cost example (medium school, 500 learners):

Fundisa Professional: R53,964 (R1,499 × 36 months) or R44,970 (annual payments)
Includes: Automatic SA-SAMS sync, offline mode, WhatsApp communication, online fee collection

MyEncore Pricing

Annual contracts: R30,000–R80,000 per year depending on school size
Setup fees may apply (varies)
No free tier available

3-year cost example (medium school):

MyEncore: R90,000–R240,000 (assuming R30,000–R80,000/year)
Requires: Manual SA-SAMS export/import (additional staff time costs)

Cost Analysis: Fundisa’s monthly pricing is significantly more affordable than MyEncore’s annual contracts. For a medium school, Fundisa costs approximately R44,970–R53,964 over 3 years, compared to MyEncore’s R90,000–R240,000. Additionally, Fundisa’s automatic SA-SAMS sync eliminates double entry costs (staff time savings), while MyEncore requires ongoing manual export/import work.

Winner: Fundisa — more affordable pricing with automatic SA-SAMS sync eliminates hidden double-entry costs.

SA-SAMS Integration: Automatic vs Manual

The most critical difference between Fundisa and MyEncore is how they handle SA-SAMS compliance.

Fundisa: Automatic Bidirectional Sync

Fundisa’s automatic SA-SAMS synchronisation means:

Single data entry: Capture learner data, marks, attendance, and compliance information once in Fundisa
Automatic formatting: Fundisa formats data in the correct SA-SAMS format automatically
Bidirectional sync: Changes in SA-SAMS sync back to Fundisa (when applicable)
Reliability during outages: Continue working when SA-SAMS is down, sync when it returns
LURITS integration: Automatic LURITS number verification and updates
Error handling: Sync status dashboard shows errors and conflicts for resolution

Time savings: Schools eliminate 10–20 hours per month of manual SA-SAMS data entry. Administrative staff focus on supporting teaching and learning instead of double-entry work.

MyEncore: Manual Export/Import

MyEncore’s manual SA-SAMS integration requires:

Double data entry: Capture data in MyEncore for daily operations
Manual export: Export data from MyEncore in compatible format
Manual import: Import data into SA-SAMS for DBE compliance
Error checking: Verify data imported correctly, resolve conflicts manually
Timing dependency: Both systems must be available to complete sync
Ongoing maintenance: Regular export/import processes require staff time

Time cost: Schools spend 10–20 hours per month on manual SA-SAMS export/import. This doubles administrative workload and increases error risk.

Recommendation: Only consider systems with automatic SA-SAMS sync. Manual processes create more work than they save, defeating the purpose of modernisation.

Parent Communication: WhatsApp vs Email/SMS

Parent communication effectiveness depends on reaching parents on channels they actually use.

Fundisa: WhatsApp-First Communication

Fundisa delivers messages via WhatsApp Business API — the channel 97% of South African parents already use:

No app downloads: Parents receive messages on WhatsApp they already use daily
Higher engagement: WhatsApp messages have 90%+ open rates vs 20–30% for email
Read receipts: See when parents read messages
Digital consent forms: Parents sign consent forms via WhatsApp
Class-specific broadcasts: Send messages to specific classes or grades
SMS fallback: Automatic SMS for feature phones
Multi-language: Message templates in English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho

Parent experience: Parents receive school communication on WhatsApp without downloading apps or checking email. Messages feel personal and immediate, improving engagement.

MyEncore: Email and SMS Communication

MyEncore offers email and SMS communication tools:

Email communication: Parents must check email regularly
SMS messaging: SMS delivery (costs apply)
No WhatsApp: Missing the primary communication channel used by most SA parents
Limited languages: English and Afrikaans only

Parent experience: Parents must check email or receive SMS messages. Email open rates are lower (20–30%), and SMS costs accumulate. Parents may miss important messages if they don’t check email regularly.

Winner: Fundisa — WhatsApp integration reaches more parents with higher engagement rates.

Fee Collection and Financial Management

Both systems offer fee management, but implementation details differ.

Fundisa Fee Collection

Online payments: Ozow (Instant EFT), PayShap, Capitec Pay, card payments, Netcash
Automated reminders: WhatsApp/SMS payment reminders (configurable frequency)
Fee exemption workflow: Built to SASA regulations (application, means test, SGB approval, DBE notification)
Payment plans: Instalment management and payment plans
Real-time dashboards: SGBs and principals see fee collection metrics in real-time
Bank reconciliation: Automated reconciliation with bank statements
Financial reports: Audit-ready reports and statements

MyEncore Fee Collection

Fee management: Fee invoicing and tracking available
Payment processing: Details vary by implementation
Reminders: SMS/email reminders available
Reporting: Financial reports available

Winner: Fundisa — comprehensive online payment integration with SA bank rails and automated exemption workflows.

Support and Training

Fundisa Support

Email support: Included in all paid plans
Phone support: Priority support (phone + email) in Professional and Premium plans
WhatsApp support: Direct WhatsApp support for quick questions
Dedicated account manager: Premium plan includes dedicated account manager
On-site training: Available in Premium plan
Documentation: Comprehensive online documentation and video tutorials
Community forum: Free tier includes community support forum

MyEncore Support

Email support: Standard email support
Phone support: Phone support available
Training: Training provided (details vary by implementation)
Documentation: Documentation available

Winner: Tie — both offer standard support, but Fundisa includes WhatsApp support and dedicated account managers in higher tiers.

Who Should Choose Fundisa?

Choose Fundisa if:

You want automatic SA-SAMS sync without double data entry
Offline capability is essential (load-shedding, rural connectivity)
WhatsApp parent communication is a priority
You need affordable pricing (R499–R2,999/month)
You’re a Quintile 1–3 school seeking free tier access
You want multi-language support (Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho)
You need comprehensive mobile apps for teachers and parents
You’re frustrated with SA-SAMS reliability and want a modern alternative

Best fit: Public fee-paying schools (Quintile 4–5), independent schools seeking affordable modern administration, and schools prioritising automatic SA-SAMS compliance.

Who Should Choose MyEncore?

Choose MyEncore if:

You have budget for annual contracts (R30,000–R80,000/year)
Manual SA-SAMS export/import is acceptable for your school
Email/SMS communication is sufficient (WhatsApp not required)
You prefer an established platform with longer market history
English/Afrikaans only meets your language needs
You don’t require offline mode (reliable connectivity available)

Best fit: Public schools with sufficient budget (Quintile 4–5) willing to accept double data entry for modern features and established platform stability.

Migration Considerations

Migrating to Fundisa

Process: Fundisa provides migration assistance to import data from SA-SAMS or other systems. Migration typically takes 1–2 weeks with parallel operation period (running both systems) to verify sync accuracy.

Support: Migration team assists with data export, import, and verification. Training included for administrative staff.

Timing: Plan migration around term-end reporting periods to avoid compliance gaps.

Migrating to MyEncore

Process: MyEncore provides migration assistance (details vary by implementation). Schools must set up manual SA-SAMS export/import processes during and after migration.

Support: Migration support available (varies by implementation).

Timing: Plan migration carefully to establish manual SA-SAMS processes.

The Bottom Line: Which System Is Right for Your School?

The choice between Fundisa and MyEncore depends on your school’s priorities:

Fundisa wins on:

Automatic SA-SAMS sync (eliminates double entry)
Offline capability (load-shedding resilience)
WhatsApp parent communication (higher engagement)
Affordability (R499–R2,999/month vs R30K–R80K/year)
Free tier for Quintile 1–3 schools
Multi-language support

MyEncore wins on:

Established market presence (longer history)
May suit schools preferring annual contracts

Critical factor: If automatic SA-SAMS sync matters (eliminating double entry), Fundisa is the clear choice. If your school accepts manual export/import processes and prefers an established platform, MyEncore may fit — though at significantly higher cost.

For most South African schools, Fundisa’s automatic SA-SAMS synchronisation combined with offline capability, WhatsApp communication, and affordable pricing makes it the better choice. The elimination of double data entry alone saves 10–20 hours per month of administrative time, while offline mode ensures schools can continue working during load-shedding.

To explore more school management software options, see our guides on Best School Management Software SA 2026 and Fundisa vs d6 Connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does MyEncore sync automatically with SA-SAMS?

No. MyEncore requires manual export/import processes. Schools capture data in MyEncore for daily operations, then must export data and import it into SA-SAMS manually for DBE compliance. This creates a double data entry burden. Only Fundisa currently offers automatic bidirectional SA-SAMS/LURITS synchronisation, eliminating double entry entirely.

How much does MyEncore cost compared to Fundisa?

MyEncore pricing ranges from R30,000–R80,000 per year depending on school size, requiring annual contracts. Fundisa pricing ranges from R499–R2,999 per month (R5,988–R35,976 per year) with a free tier available for Quintile 1–3 schools. For a medium school, Fundisa costs approximately R44,970–R53,964 over 3 years, compared to MyEncore’s R90,000–R240,000. Additionally, Fundisa’s automatic SA-SAMS sync eliminates double-entry costs (staff time savings), while MyEncore requires ongoing manual export/import work.

Can MyEncore work offline during load-shedding?

No. MyEncore requires constant internet connectivity. When power fails or connectivity drops, MyEncore becomes unusable. Schools must maintain paper records during outages and re-enter data when connectivity returns. Fundisa offers offline-first architecture — teachers can capture marks and attendance on smartphones during load-shedding, with data syncing automatically when connectivity returns.

Which system has better parent communication?

Fundisa offers WhatsApp-first parent communication via WhatsApp Business API — the channel 97% of South African parents already use. No app downloads required, higher engagement rates (90%+ open rates), read receipts, and digital consent forms. MyEncore offers email and SMS communication, which has lower engagement rates (20–30% for email) and misses the primary communication channel used by most SA parents. For schools prioritising parent engagement, Fundisa’s WhatsApp integration is superior.

Ready to eliminate double data entry and modernise your school administration? Switch to Fundisa — automatic SA-SAMS sync, offline mode, WhatsApp parent communication, and affordable pricing from R499/month. No double entry, no waiting for SA-SAMS patches, no sync failures.