False Bay TVET College‘s new Mitchells Plain campus in Strandfontein is taking shape, with construction on schedule and the doors set to open in time for the 2027 academic year.

The project has made steady progress since the site was handed over in August 2024, the college’s acting marketing manager, Roshin Schmidt said in a press release.

Work moved from preparing the ground and earthworks to foundation digging, which started on 23 October 2024. The structure is now going up, with roofing and landscaping next on the list. Travellers along Spine Road in Bayview can already see how large the development is.

The campus is expected to be ready in the last three months of 2026, leaving enough time for student applications for the 2027 academic year to be processed.

What the campus will offer

Once open, the campus will be able to take up to 3 000 students and offer courses across five areas: Engineering, Business, Safety in Society, Design and IT, and Hair and Cosmetology.

The college is also working to get approval from the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations to offer new qualifications in Cosmetology and Creative Design.

Students will have access to modern classrooms, workshops and learning spaces built to give them hands-on, practical training. Courses will range from traditional trades such as bricklaying, carpentry and plumbing to newer fields including artificial intelligence software development, cloud administration, and cybersecurity.

A long-term investment in the community

The land was transferred to the college in February 2021, and since construction began more than 30% of the suppliers used have come from the local area, reflecting the college’s commitment to community inclusion.

Acting principal Charlene Matthews said the campus means far more than just a new building. “The Mitchells Plain campus is more than just a new facility; it is a transformative investment in the future of the community. It expands access to quality education while ensuring our programmes remain aligned with industry needs. Our goal is to equip students with practical, in-demand skills so they can actively contribute to the economy.”

Campus manager Souchan Gasant-Jackson added that the project builds on nearly two decades of work to bring education closer to where students live.

“Since 2005 we have worked to bring education closer to where our students live. This new campus builds on that vision. It reflects the unique spirit of Mitchells Plain — one of unity and resilience — and will continue to serve as a beacon of opportunity and hope.”

Built with the community in mind

The campus has been designed with local residents in mind. It will include a multipurpose hall and auditorium available for community events, along with open spaces focused on student needs. The design also ensures the campus can keep running during water or electricity outages.

Temporary base remains open

While the new campus is being completed and accredited, the college will continue to operate from its temporary site at Cedar High School in Rocklands.

Fast facts:

• Mitchells Plain Campus Size: 12 156,87 m²
• Capacity: 3 000 students
• Facilities: Academic buildings, administration block, multipurpose hall, sports field, open learning centre, cafeteria
• Entrances: Seafarer Road and Birkenhead Road

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