The Akademia private Afrikaans higher education institution has officially launched the construction of its next massive campus in Mooiplaats, South Africa. A sod-turning ceremony on Friday, November 28, 2025, signaled the start of the first construction phase of this landmark development.
Investment and Significance
This project is the largest of its kind in the history of the Afrikaans language and cultural communities within higher education.
- Total Estimated Investment: R3.2 billion.
- Co-Developers: The Solidarity Movement, in partnership with Kanton.
- First Phase Investment: R1.8 billion, set to commence in January 2026.
Phase One Highlights (The Core Campus)
The initial R1.8 billion phase will establish the core infrastructure of the future university campus.
Key infrastructure elements include:
| Facility Type | Description / Capacity |
| Academic | Numerous lecture halls, advanced laboratories, dedicated research, and staff spaces. |
| Social Hub | A 2,500 square metre student centre. |
| Accommodation | Residences for 750 students (capacity to expand to 1,500 in Phase Two). |
| Main Entrance | Die Poort (The Gate): Eight 18-meter-high arches. |
| Cultural Space | Amphitheatre with capacity for 1,500 people. |
| Spiritual Area | Chapel plaza surrounded by water canals and gardens. |
| Architectural Feature | A dome structure of glass and steel (20 meters high, 32 meters in diameter). |
The main contractors, JC van der Linde and Venter Bouers, were selected for their expertise and shared values, following their successful delivery of the Sol-Tech campus.
Project Timeline and Growth
Akademia, founded in 2012, has already grown significantly, now operating five faculties with over 3,800 students. This new campus is expected to be completed over the next few years, with Akademia beginning to utilize the infrastructure as a long-term tenant from 2028.
| Phase | Timeline | Activity |
| Pre-Development | Jan 2017 – Dec 2018 | Identify suitable location and land. |
| Due Diligence | Jan 2019 – Aug 2019 | Developmental due diligence examination. |
| Approvals | Jan 2021 – Feb 2024 | Acquire development rights and obtain environmental consent. |
| Land Acquisition | May 2024 | Land purchased for R50 million. |
| Financing/Design | Jan 2024 – 2025 | Concept development and capital raising. |
| Groundwork | June 2025 – Dec 2025 | Mass earthworks. |
| Construction | Jan 2026 – Dec 2027 | Start of the construction phase. |
This development signals the next significant expansion of the Afrikaans university system, according to Akademia’s Managing Director, Marthinus Visser.
