Akademia has entered a new growth phase this year. The academic year started on a high note with the inauguration of an additional full-time campus in Centurion as well as the opening of two brand-new residences. Moreover, this institution that celebrates its twelfth year as the Afrikaans home of studies, is in the process of expanding its geographical footprint in the Western Cape by 2026.

Akademia is already present in the Western Cape by means of its centres in George, Paarl and Somerset West. These centres are used by students who study via the after-hours distance model. According to Marthinus Visser, managing director of the institution, the intended expansion speaks of the pioneering spirit at Akademia, as well as its commitment to the community. The expansion in the Western Cape will strengthen and extend the already existing network. “Akademia is excited about this prospect and is excited about the future impact that we could make here,” Visser said.

The decision to expand Akademia’s full-time campus model, which is currently limited to Centurion in Gauteng, is informed by solid demographic research. According to these research findings, the Western Cape represents the highest concentration of the Afrikaans speakers in South Africa. This reality speaks directly to the institution’s reason for existence as an autonomous higher education institution that is closely connected to the Afrikaans language and cultural communities.

The proposed campus will not only offer students access to Akademia’s five dynamic faculties, but also to a bustling student life. According to Visser, students will be able to participate fully in this during their studies and develop their talents in such a way that they will be able to live a vocation-driven life to the benefit of their communities. “Student life at Akademia aims to create a home where the hearts and minds of students can develop in an integrated manner. We are committed to the development of and investment in well-rounded students, as is already the case at our campuses in Centurion,” Visser said.

According to Visser, there are no set timelines yet regarding the opening of this campus, but he confirmed that work was already being done behind the scenes to meet the necessary infrastructure and capacity needs, among other things. The institution already appointed an operations manager for the Western Cape. The search for a suitable location for the campus now takes priority. It is envisaged that the proposed campus will be in the triangle between the northern suburbs, Stellenbosch and Paarl.

More information about this exciting expansion will follow as the establishment process progresses.

Any enquiries may be directed to media@akademia.ac.za.