19/03/2026
📰 JBAY TVET COLLEGE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED IN JEFFREYS BAY
📅 18 March 2026
JBay TVET College was officially launched in Jeffreys Bay on 18 March 2026, marking a significant milestone for education and skills development in the Kouga region.
🎤 Renette Matthee, founder and owner of the college, said the institution was established in 2016 with the aim of providing accessible, practical and quality education aligned with real-world needs.
She said the launch of the new premises represents an expansion of opportunities for young people in the area, with programmes designed to equip students with skills for employment, entrepreneurship and personal development.
Matthee emphasised the importance of vocational education, noting that not all students thrive in traditional academic environments and that there is a growing demand for skilled professionals across multiple sectors.
She said the college focuses on hands-on training to ensure students are workplace-ready and encouraged parents to consider vocational education as a viable and respected pathway that leads to independence and sustainable careers.
She also called on the community to support the institution and help promote skills-based education.
🎤 Fanie Heystek, Ward 11 councillor, speaking on behalf of Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman, said the launch represents “hope, opportunity and progress” for the people of Kouga.
He said the presence of a TVET college in the region addresses a long-standing challenge where students had to leave the area to pursue further education, often placing financial strain on families and limiting access to opportunities.
He added that institutions such as JBay TVET College play a critical role in addressing unemployment, poverty and inequality by bridging the gap between education and employment.
He encouraged parents and guardians to support their children in enrolling at the college, stating that technical and vocational education is “a smart choice” that opens pathways to entrepreneurship, artisan skills and sustainable careers.
He also urged young people to take advantage of the opportunity to develop skills that can contribute to both their personal growth and the local economy.
The college is expected to play an important role in strengthening skills development and supporting economic growth in the Kouga region.
