In 2001, in accordance with the Further Education and Training Act 1998, Cato Manor Technical College, Durban Central Technical College and LC Johnson Technical College merged to form Thekwini College, an accredited Public Further Education and Training Institution as per KZN GG No. 117 2002 published on 11 April 2002.  As a public, multi-purpose, nationally recognized provider, the College is managed and administered in accordance with regulations stipulated by the FETC Act, 2006 and by national education policy as determined by the Minister of Education.  In May 2003 the first Rector of Thekwini College, Mr. R Cadir was appointed and one of his first priorities was to realign the college it the strategic plan that subsequently evolved, elements of which is captured in the profile that follows.

In keeping with their economic and social regeneration ethos, the College is fully committed to continue to expand it community skills training and its support and training to Special Schools and those with special educational needs outside the Special School network.  they have operationalized special needs Engineering Programme for students with disabilities and have migrated this to business studies and hospitality.