South Africa’s Cape Town BPO hub grows with new Mitchells Plain center
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA — Hundreds of new jobs are coming to Mitchells Plain, one of South Africa’s largest townships in Cape Town, as a major business process outsourcing (BPO) investment takes shape in Beacon Valley, signaling a boost for the local economy and skills development in the region.
According to a report from the City of Cape Town – Media Office, the facility, which includes office space and a training center for new recruits, represents a continued push to make Cape Town a global hub for outsourcing while bringing opportunities closer to residents.
Driving local employment and skills development
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said that the Beacon Valley facility will change the lives of the residents and the first-time job seekers.
“It was exciting to see this new investment taking shape at the Beacon Valley site, which will enable hundreds more jobs for the people of Mitchells Plain and surrounds. This is the second major call centre investment to set up shop in Mitchells Plain during this term,” Hill-Lewis said.
The BPO sector has become a critical economic driver for the city, contributing 23 billion rand (US$1.265 billion) to Cape Town’s economy in 2024, more than double its contribution ten years ago.
Mitchells Plain accounts for the largest share of the city’s BPO workforce at 16.3%, highlighting the area’s growing role in the sector.
“Growing call centre jobs have been one of our city’s proudest successes, with over 100,000 Capetonians now working in this sector. Local call centre jobs have doubled over the last decade, especially benefitting young people from lower-income communities and first-time job-seekers,” Hill-Lewis added.
Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, emphasized the importance of targeted partnerships.
“This Mitchells Plain development is a strong example of how targeted partnerships can translate into real jobs and economic impact for local communities,” Vos said.
The initiative is supported by CapeBPO, the city’s special purpose vehicle dedicated to growing the sector.
Expanding Cape Town’s outsourcing footprint
CapeBPO chief executive officer (CEO) Clayton Williams outlined a 10-year vision for the region.
“We have a broader vision of locating 20,000 seats across the Cape Flats over the next 10 years and this is the catalyst that we need to see this vision come to fruition,” Williams said.
“We would like to thank all the stakeholders involved for their unwavering commitment and we believe that in partnership with the City of Cape Town and our private sector constituents, we will watch this dream become a reality,” Williams added.
The Beacon Valley center operates as the second BPO facility in Mitchells Plain after the establishment of the first one in 2022 which strengthened the area as a center for inclusive economic growth.
The outsourcing industry trend shows Cape Town’s strategy which uses BPO investments to create local jobs, train employees and attract international companies, demonstrating that well-placed call centers can provide both economic benefits and social advantages.
