New False Bay TVET College campus set to transform education in Mitchells Plain
False Bay TVET College’s Mitchells Plain campus is nearing completion along Spine Road in Bayview.
Image: Supplied/Elton Jansen
False Bay TVET College’s Mitchells Plain campus can be seen rising behind construction walls along Spine Road in Bayview and will service 3 000 students at full capacity.
The landmark development will expand access to vocational and occupational training in Mitchells 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 Matthews
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.
More than 30% local supplier participation has been achieved, ensuring community economic benefit during construction, Matthews said.
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, and National Certificate Vocational programmes in Safety in Society and Transport and Logistics.
Souchan Gasant-Jackson, Mitchell 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.
"We are building on lessons learned from earlier sites to create an even more supportive environment. What makes Mitchells 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 Gasant-Jackson.
Sub-council 17 chairperson Elton Jansen said he works with the college through the Project Engagement Committee, which provides oversight.
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 Mitchells Plain, Strandfontein, and Khayelitsha and improve access along transport routes.