Mitchell’s Plain

• Province: Western Cape
• Coordinates: 34°3′2″S “18°37′5″E
• Area: 43.76 km2
• Municipality; City of Cape Town

Mitchell’s Plain is a large residential area located on the Cape Flats within the City of Cape Town. It lies southeast of Cape Town and inland from the coast along False Bay. Mitchell’s Plain borders communities such as Khayelitsha and Strandfontein and forms one of the largest residential areas in the metropolitan region.

History of Mitchell’s Plain

Mitchell’s Plain was planned and developed by the apartheid government during the 1970s. The area was laid out with wide streets, arterial routes, public facilities, and open spaces, and was initially presented as a model of organised urban design.

The exact origin of the suburb’s name remains uncertain. Some sources suggest it may be linked to Mitchell Baker, while others believe it honours Charles Michell, an early Surveyor-General at the Cape.

Mitchell’s Plain was established as a designated “coloured” residential area and became home to many families who were forcibly removed after District Six was declared a “whites only” area in 1966.

Over time, the suburb expanded to include a variety of housing types, including maisonettes and semi-detached homes. Today, Mitchells Plain has a population of around half a million people.

Like many large urban areas shaped by apartheid-era planning, parts of the suburb faced significant social and economic challenges in later decades. During the late 1980s and 1990s, some neighbourhoods experienced problems such as gang activity, substance abuse, and the growth of informal settlements.

Today, Mitchell’s Plain is home to a vibrant and resilient community with active local organisations, schools, businesses, sports clubs, and cultural initiatives that continue to shape the area’s identity and future.

The postal codes for Mitchells Plain are  7785 (Streets) and  7789 (Boxes)

Transport

Mitchells Plain is served by Metrorail  MyCiTi Bus,  Golden Arrow Bus Services, and minibus taxis. See linked pages for details. Other options for getting around the Western Cape.

Things to see and do in Mitchell’s Plain

• Bond Street Park Outdoor Gym, Bond Street, London Village
• Bonfoi Park Outdoor Gym  Bonfoi Way, Westridge
• Drakensberg Park Outdoor Gym, Kilimanjaro Street, Tafelsig
• Galaxy Gym Park Outdoor Gym  Galaxy Street, Rocklands
• Westridge Gardens
• Mnandi Beach
• Mitchell’s Plain Festival 021 439 8000
• Wolfgat Nature Reserve

Resources

Practical information for the Western Cape, regulations, permits and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide

Getting around:

There are three Metrorail stations in the suburb: Kapteinsklip, Mitchells Plain, and Lentegeur. Buses and taxis also operate in the area.

• WEATHER IN MITCHELL’S PLAIN TODAY

• Browse businesses and places to visit in Mitchell’s Plain

Useful Numbers in Mitchell’s Plain

Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities

• Emergency Services

• Police: 021 370 1706
• Fire: 021 444 3085
• Ambulance:0860 103 089

• Medical

• Closest hospital;
• Mitchell’s Plain Day Hospital-021 392 5162
• Lentegeur Clinic-021 444 1428

• Municipal & Utilities

• Water: 0860 103 089
• Electricity:0860 103 089

• Transport & Roads

• Traffic department:021 378 1140

• Community & Safety

• SPCA: The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals – P D S A-021 371 2440
• 24-hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape:  0861 555 777.
• NSRI 087 094 9774

• Local Contacts and Community Resources

• Home Affairs: 021 370 3100 / 3102 / 3103 / 3109
• Beacon Valley Community Centre 021 444 5584
• Portlands Indoor Sports Centre: 021 391 0783
• Swartklip Indoor Sports Centre: 021 444 5584/021 444 5586
• Weltevreden recreation centre: 021 392 5132
• Tafelsig Community Centre: 021 444 5586
• Mandalay community hall:021 444 5584
• Post office;Lentegeur Post Office-021 371 1324
• Library:021 391 4787

• Schools in Mitchells Plain

• Mitchell’s Plain No 1 Primary School-021 371 0800
• Mitchell’s Plain Primary School-021 371 0800
• Mitchell’s Plain School of Skill-021 392 1213
• Meadowridge Primary School-021 376 1145
• Harvester Primary School-021 371 9402
• Mitchells Plain High School-073 835 5348
• Springdale Primary School-021 371 6910
• Mondale High School-021 392 7031
• Northwood Primary School-021 371 7510
• Lentegeur Secondary School-021 371 4161
• Oval North High School-021 376 1067
• Darul Arqam Islamic High School-021 391 5730
• Westport Primary School-021 392 6604
• Parkhurst Primary-021 371 8910
• Cedar High School-021 392 5737
• Rocklands Primary School-021 392 2010
• Portland High School-021 374 4141
• Yellowwood Primary School-021 392 0882
• Caradale Primary School- 0213912079

• Find a comprehensive list of Cape Town Emergency numbers HERE
• The City of Cape Town Public Emergency Communication Centre is available 24/7 For all life or property-threatening emergencies. Call 021 480 7700 from any phone or 107 from a landline or report online at https://bit.ly/3o4Ji3K