Bitou campus of South Cape College forges ahead
Situate near KwaNokuthula, the Bitou campus of South Cape College provides technical and vocational education and training (TVET) – and this local facility of learning continues to grow and expand.
TVET is recognised internationally and applies to certain post-school educational institutes. Previously known as FET (Further Education and Training), TVET colleges offer a range of courses and training programmes developed in response to the skills required by commercial organisations and employers.
At present, 550 students are enrolled at the Bitou campus – an increase of 44.7% from the 380 students in training just 12 months ago. Three-year courses, divided into attendance at lectures and practical instruction, are available in Business Studies, Hospitality and Catering, Management Assistance, Tourism and Human Resources Management.
At the conclusion of a course, successful students are awarded a National Diploma from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). There are also National Certificate Vocational (NCV) courses in Office Administration and Tourism.
Courses in Public Management and Human Resources Management will be on offer, by way of distance learning, from 2020.
Says South” Cape TVET College Bitou campus head Chumani Webber: “We need the business community to come on board to assist with the practical training of students. An example that is working well, is the employment of student teachers at schools.”
The college is currently in the process of negotiating with Bitou Municipality for the transfer of ownership of the land – some seven hectares – and the buildings, to allow the establishment of a fully-fledged campus with accommodation hostels, improved lecture facilities, and additional courses.
There are currently 50 TVET colleges in South Africa, funded by the DHET. South Cape College, currently has 6,000 students undertaking studies, was launched in 2006 with campuses in George, Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn. Since then campuses have been added at Plettenberg Bay, Rivers-dale and Beaufort West.
Mrs Murray makes the case for education
Rosemary Murray, who has rendered sterling service in the cause of education in Plettenberg Bay over the course of the past 28 years, was instrumental in the establishment of the Bitou Campus of South Cape College (SCC) in 2007, along with Thomas Nqolo, a senior manager of Bitou Municipality at the time, who provided invaluable support and assistance. During 2004, Rosemary arranged and administered 10-week courses in bricklaying, plumbing, and electrical wiring. These were later augmented by longer courses in business administration, project management and first aid, all of which paved the way for an SCC campus in Bitou. Murray High School in KwaNokuthula, which opened in August 1999, is named in honour of Rosemary Murray who was untiring in her efforts and application in the founding of the school. “The school has made a real difference in the lives of many people.
A good education is essential, as it opens up opportunities for young people and enhances the quality of their lives. It has been a privilege to have been involved with efforts to improve the quality of education in the communities of Bitou and in doing so, I have experienced personal growth and development,” she said.