In line with the vision to champion socio-economic development, the Coega Development Corporation maintains an open-door policy to those who wish to learn about its operations – from determined school learners, to fellow institutions looking to benchmark processes and explore potential synergies. Over the past weeks, Coega has welcomed the national and provincial departments of education and High School learners for a tour of the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ), demonstrating the value of the organisations across varied stakeholder groups.
Guided by its Stakeholder Engagement Strategy, Coega welcomed the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE), and the National Department of Basic Education (DBE) for an SEZ tour during a departmental workshop. The Departmental representatives included Heads of Education Infrastructure who wanted to learn more about Coega’s ground-breaking capital infrastructure projects. In addition, to address the National Curriculum’s priority areas, Coega also exposed 57 matric learners from Mida High School to SEZ Zones and operations.
Mr Tsepo Pefole, Infrastructure Director for the ECDoE, noted that all connecting infrastructure within the SEZ can be advantageous to technical school leavers. Similarly, according to Mr Solly Mafoko, Planning and Delivery Director for the DBE, “more should be done to expose learners and educators to the opportunities in the SEZ and what it means to our country’s economy.”
Ms. Ncumisa Malashe, Economics teacher at Mida High School, shared that the objective of the school tour was to introduce students to the world of economic activity and demonstrate how foreign investors impact the global economy.
“Coega SEZ is one of government’s active initiatives for the growth of the Eastern Cape economy. We hope that by bringing our learners to the SEZ, they will have no trouble deciding on a career because they will understand the importance of skills development and contributing to economic development.”
Lunje Masenti, a matric learner from Mida High School, shared that the “exposure to a variety of sectors, including automotive, aquaculture, energy, metals, and logistics, was very beneficial, making it simple for learners to select a suitable career.”
Coega’s intent to advance socio-economic development across the region permeates every aspect of its business, from the infrastructural development of school buildings through its External Programmes, to the creation of opportunities for school-leavers through its Skills Development Centre, and the improvement of further job opportunities through companies locating their facilities within the SEZ.
From its origins as operator and developer of the largest and leading Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Africa, Coega has leveraged its success and institutional capacity to diversify its business into the implementation of mega infrastructure projects as well as non-SEZ commercial services. This diversification, in turn, has led to increased interest from communities looking to benchmark successes and leverage operational strengths.
Alan Straton
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