False Bay TVET College's Mitchell's Plain campus set to open soon

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05-05-2026
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Plainsman
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False Bay TVET College’s Mitchell’s Plain campus can be seen rising behind construction walls along Spine Road in Bayview and will service 3 000 students at full capacity from Mitchell’s Plain and surrounding areas.

The landmark development will expand access to vocational and occupational training in Mitchell’s Plain.

The project remains on schedule and is set to open in the final quarter of this year ahead of applications for the 2027 academic year, said Charlene Matthews, acting principal.

Until completion, the campus will operate from Cedar High School in Rocklands, said Ms Matthews ("False Bay College making a home of interim campus" Plainsman March 2, 2022).

False Bay TVET College offers vocational and occupational training programmes that equip students with practical experience and industry-relevant skills for high-demand sectors. It also provides apprenticeships in mechanical, electrical, and civil trades.

Following the August 2024 site handover, construction progressed through earthworks, platform development, and foundation excavations, starting October 23, 2024. Work is advancing with roofing and landscaping next, said Ms Matthews.

The Mitchell’s Plain Campus is a long-term investment in community development and economic opportunity. Since the land transfer in February 2021, the vision of the modern skills centre has taken shape, she said.

More than 30% local supplier participation has been achieved, ensuring community economic benefit during construction, said Ms Matthews.

The campus will offer expanded vocational and technical programmes in modern facilities. It will undergo Quality Council for Trades and Occupations accreditation to introduce Cosmetology and Creative Design qualifications, said Ms Matthews.

Designed for community use, the campus includes a multipurpose hall and an auditorium for local events. Infrastructure ensures operation during outages, with open student-centred spaces.

The campus will offer programmes across Engineering Trades, including Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plumbing, IT and Digital Innovation, Cloud Administration, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Business and Transport fields, Hair, Beauty and Wellness, plus National Certificate Vocational programmes in Safety in Society and Transport and Logistics.

The transition to a fully developed campus will improve the student experience. Ms Matthews said the campus is a “transformative investment” in Mitchell’s Plain.

Souchan Gasant-Jackson, Mitchell's Plain Campus manager, said most students have lived within walking distance of the campus since 2005.

“This was intentional. False Bay College set out to remove distance as a barrier to education and to bring quality learning opportunities directly into the heart of the community.”

With the launch of the new Mitchell's Plain Campus, “we are building on lessons learned from earlier sites to create an even more supportive environment. What makes Mitchell’s Plain unique is its spirit of unity and care, and we are committed to honouring that. This campus will continue to stand as a beacon of opportunity, hope, and community upliftment,” said Ms Gasant-Jackson.

Sub-council 17 chairperson Elton Jansen said he works with the college through the Project Engagement Committee (PEC), which provides oversight ("Elected PEC for False Bay College, Mitchell’s Plain Campus Development" Plainsman 28 June, 2023).

He said he helped facilitate the transfer of City land to the college and supports local labour participation. He said completion is expected around August or September this year. The campus will serve Mitchell’s Plain, Strandfontein, and Khayelitsha and improve access along transport routes.

He said there will be opportunities for nearby student accommodation, with local property owners able to convert their homes for students who wish to live closer to the college during their studies.