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102 SMMEs trained as part of the SMME Development Programme

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Gqeberha, South Africa, 9 November 2022 – The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) is pleased to announce a milestone achievement on the small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMME) training for the first half of the 2022/23 financial year. Over the six-month period (April – September 2022), a total of 102 SMME received training, as part of Coega’s SMME Development Programme, which implements developmental initiatives to grow SMMEs. The Programme has proven very successful since its inception in 2014, having trained over 2,500 SMMEs over the years.

During Quarter 1 and 2 of the current financial year 2022/23, Coega’s SMME training included bespoke new venture training, pricing, and tendering workshops. The New Venture Training module aimed to assist SMMEs with business administration, while Pricing and Tendering Workshops aimed to guide SMMEs on the tendering process, which will assist them to properly prepare and respond to bids/ tenders. The training was project-specific, i.e., covering the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) Programme and the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Zone 10 – Bulk Infrastructure Project.

Coega reaffirms that a strong SMME sector is crucial to achieve the country’s objectives for economic development. The ability of Coega to promote long-term, sustainable corporate growth while simultaneously improving people’s quality of life through the provision of opportunities, forms the basis of the company’s overall strategic plan. Of the 102 individuals that received SMME training, 32 completed the New Venture Skills Programme and 70 completed the Pricing and Tendering Workshops.

In June 2022, the Coega SMME luncheon was hosted at the Bluewater Bay Sunrise Hotel, with an emphasis on acknowledging the quality of SMME growth for the 15 meritorious awardees. Nomphelo Budaza, CDC SMME Co-ordinator stated, “As a Coega employee, I acknowledge the importance of our contribution to SMME development, the essential role it plays in promoting the creation of employment opportunities and strengthening local business.”

One of the Coega SMME beneficiaries, Cynthia Ndika, from Savela Cleaning Services, stated that Coega’s SMME development initiatives have improved the reputation and image of her business. “Coega is a reputable corporation, which motivates my employees to put in the extra effort to meet its standards.” She also praises Coega for giving her a platform as a small business, which has allowed her business to differentiate itself from other cleaning businesses, particularly in the Gqeberha area.

“Working with Coega was a positive experience; service delivery was quick and effective,” according to Britney Charles from Motheo Construction. “We are appreciative to Coega SEZ for the chance to support our growth, which ultimately led to our company receiving an upgrade to a 5pe CIDB grading. The project team and Coega provided excellent and highly competent support.”

Nompilo Dube, whose company provides plumbing services, expressed her gratitude for Coega’s trust in her and for going above and beyond in renewing their company’s contract. “I appreciate the opportunity Coega has provided, and to be introduced to new clients as a result of our collaboration, as well as the ongoing communication with Coega, and the advice provided through the administration learnings.”

Ziyanda Kalani, CDC SMME Training and Development Manager, concludes by saying that training is a crucial component in ensuring that we expand our SMMEs, and that SMMEs that are a part of the CDC SMME Development Programme are well-trained through SETA-accredited interventions as well as on-the-job training when on construction sites.

Earlier this year, Coega announced that it had spent R1,5 billion on SMME procurement spend during the past financial year, ending 31 March 2022, targeting businesses owned by Women, especially Black Woman, Black Youth, and Persons with Disabilities. Coega’s policy is to ensure 33% SMME involvement in all projects; this cuts across the different sectors where Coega operates. The organisation also stated that it offers mentorship opportunities for emerging contractors and entrepreneurs.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.