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Soutpansberg Primary School Refurbished

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The ISUZU Foundation, a collaborative initiative between ISUZU Motors South Africa and its Dealer Network, has expanded its philanthropic efforts to rejuvenate Soutpansberg Primary School, located in Makhado (Louis Trichardt) within the Limpopo province.

In response to the deteriorating conditions of the aging school building, the ISUZU Foundation undertook a comprehensive reconstruction project, addressing critical areas in need of restoration. The recently completed renovations encompass the installation of modernised toilets, repainting of walls and roofs, tiling, door fittings, and the addition of new gutters. The official handover of these revitalised facilities took place on Wednesday, 31 January 2024.

“ISUZU Foundation’s commitment lies in making a positive impact within the communities in which we operate. The refurbishment of key facilities at Soutpansberg Primary School aligns with our broader initiatives aimed at contributing sustainable solutions to enhance the learning and working environment for both learners and educators,” stated Marcia Mayaba, ISUZU’s Department Executive for Dealer and Business Development.

This initiative is part of ISUZU’s overarching Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, focusing on key pillars such as education, youth empowerment, community development, and environmental impact.

Expressing enthusiasm about the transformation, Mpho Kwebane, ISUZU’s Parts Manager at NTT ISUZU in Makhado, highlighted the belief that a well-maintained and visually appealing school can positively influence the educational experience for learners and educators, potentially leading to improved outcomes. Additionally, it is anticipated that the refurbishments will instil a sense of pride within the community and elevate hygiene standards within the school premises.

The ISUZU Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to identifying sustainable opportunities that ensure the learning and teaching environment at Soutpansberg Primary School remains conducive for years to come.

Coega Supports Primary School Learners with Stationery and Shoes

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Gqeberha, South Africa, 29 February 2024 – As part of its back-to-school drive, the Coega Development Corporation (Coega) is pleased to announce that today, it donated school items to the Coega Primary School in Wells Estate, Ward 60. The donation, which includes new uniforms, school shoes, exercise books, stationery, and backpacks, was made possible through the generosity of Coega employees, clients, and media stakeholders. This activity speaks directly to Coega as a responsible corporate citizen, in compliance with the King IV, Principle 3, and in pursuit of its vision – as a leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development.

This annual Coega Back-to-School Drive is one of the organisation’s key community initiatives. It supports children from the local community, by providing them with much needed essential school supplies and resources.

Speaking during the handover, Ms. Mokgaetši Sebothoma, Executive Manager: Corporate Services said: “As a public entity, our activities are guided by the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), corporate outcomes and impact statements, and national development policy. Moreover, the Coega Back-to-School Drive exemplifies our commitment to the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda; and showcases the remarkable impact that collective action can have on our communities.”
“We are focused and committed to making a positive impact in the lives of young learners and supporting their educational journey. The Coega Back-to-School-Drive and other similar
initiatives coordinated throughout the year are testament to our belief that partnerships are crucial to achieve long-lasting positive gains in our communities,” remarked Sebothoma.

Coega Primary School Principal, Mr. Vuyisile Mbombela, expressed his gratitude for the generous donation: “This is a life changing moment for these young people. This is an investment in education, and this tells me that Coega is concerned about the future of this country. As they receive their school items today, it is not simply about the gifts themselves, but rather the fact that we are boosting the learners’ overall self-esteem.”

This year’s programme is in line with the United Nations SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, which seek to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education, promote lifelong learning opportunities, bridge the gap of inequality, and improve equitable access to educational resources.

Endinako Zongo (12), a Grade 6 learner at Coega Primary School, expressed his excitement after receiving his stationery pack: “I feel so happy that I got to see the people who help us and that I had the opportunity to tell them how I feel about this project. Projects like this give us an emotional boost.”

This initiative, along with others that we coordinate throughout the year, reaffirm Coega’s commitment to achieving long-lasting positive gains in our communities.

Other education-related CSI programmes by Coega, include the following:

  • The Coega Maths and Science Programme (MSP), which is a catalytic initiative that aims to improve the high school pass rate for Mathematics and Physical Science. The Programme offers a no-cost development opportunity for matriculants to enhance their Maths and Science results for university admission. Since its inception in 2013, the Coega MSP has empowered thousands of learners to excel in STEM fields, achieving a consecutive 100% pass rate for the past two years.
  • In its role as a Trusted Implementing Agent of Choice, Coega has proudly supported the Eastern Cape Department of Education with the launch of two schools in the Eastern Cape since January 2024, including Nkululeko Senior Secondary School (SSS) in Kariega and the Zibi Meyer Junior Secondary School (JSS) in Mount Fletcher, and is gearing up for two more in March 2024.

The Next Generation Hub for Investment in the Energy Sector

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The award-winning 9003-hectare Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has been a key player in the economic development of South Africa, particularly in the energy sector. Last Wednesday’s Budget Vote by the Minister of Finance, Honourable Enoch Godongwana, highlighted the importance of private sector investment in new energy projects, rooftop solar installations, and improvements in Eskom’s generation fleet to reduce load shedding and improve the reliability and security of energy supply. The Coega SEZ has positioned itself as a hub for private sector investment in the energy sector and as a facilitator for the adoption of renewable energy technologies.

Ms. Asanda Xawuka, Executive Manager of Business Development (SEZ services), writes that the Coega SEZ has been proactive in attracting private sector investment in energy projects, particularly in the renewable energy sector.

The Coega SEZ has been successful in securing investments in renewable energy projects, which have contributed to the diversification of the country’s energy mix. By focusing on renewable energy projects, the Coega SEZ is aligning itself with the government’s energy transition strategy, which aims to increase the contribution of renewable energy sources to the overall energy supply.

In addition to attracting private sector investment in the energy sector, through its Energy Strategy, the Coega SEZ is also promoting rooftop solar installations and the use of alternative energy technologies by its investors to reduce the demand for electricity from the national grid, while also advancing the gas readiness programme in line with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s Integrated Resource Plan. Coega has been working with businesses and industries located within its SEZ precinct to encourage the adoption of solar energy and other technologies, which would not only positively impact their operating costs but also contribute to the overall stability of the national energy supply.

Through targeted investments and a multi-phase approach, Coega is strategically positioned to play a significant role in energy decarbonisation, with a focus on infrastructure enhancement and obtaining environmental authorisation. Coega has enabled a substantial annual production of green ammonia by its investor Hive Hydrogen, which will serve as a clean energy source for diverse applications. The Green Ammonia Project will play a pivotal role in the national energy strategy by contributing excess energy produced from its 1.2 GW solar farm, back into the grid.

The Hive Hydrogen Project’s emphasis on green hydrogen and ammonia production showcases a strategic alignment with sustainable energy practices and reflects a commitment to address environmental challenges on regional and national scales. This initiative also aligns with broader sustainability goals, emphasising the importance of environmentally friendly solutions in the energy sector.

In conclusion, the Coega SEZ continues to position itself as a key player in attracting private sector investment in the renewable energy sector, promoting rooftop solar installations and use of other energy technologies by its investors. By aligning itself with the government’s energy transition strategy, the Coega SEZ aims to contribute to the country’s energy sustainability while providing security of supply for its investors, thus, fulfilling its vision of being a catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development.

The organisation looks forward attending to the Africa Energy Indaba from the 5th to the 7th of March 2024, where industry experts, project developers, financiers and manufacturers seek solutions to Africa’s energy challenges. As a leading SEZ in Africa, investment by the private sector in Coega’s energy projects will stimulate job creation, skills development, and small business support. It will further strengthen energy security in the Coega SEZ.

R20 Million invested in new airbag testing facility in Kariega

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KARIEGA. – Following an investment of R20-million and construction of nearly two years, Volkswagen Group Africa officially opened its new airbag deployment centre on Wednesday 28 February.

The new facility, based at the company’s B Plant in Kariega, will boost the plant’s airbag testing capacity to 150% of its previous output. Whereas the existing facility is able to perform 48 tests per week, including three dashboards and 45 seats, the new airbag deployment centre can handle a total of 72 tests, comprising 10 dashboards, two curtain airbag tests and 60 seats per week.

With planning beginning in 2020 and construction taking place from June 2022 until February 2024, the centre totalled an investment of R20-million; R14-million alone was spent on the climatic chamber in which the tests are performed, with the rest of the funds spent on building and electrical supply, cameras, air supply to the chamber, and lighting.

The climatic chamber makes use of electrical heaters and two refrigerant circuits to control the temperatures required for the different tests, which are conducted between 90 degrees to -40 degrees Celsius.

At the start of the testing process, parts are delivered, prepared for testing, labelled and photographed. From here, parts are conditioned in the climatic chamber at specified temperatures; once the required temperature has been reached and has stabilised, the airbag is deployed using an electrical current. Lights and cameras in the chamber are activated so the deployment can be captured on film, which is then carefully analysed so a report can be compiled and sent to the supplier. The actual deployment is done in 100 milliseconds; however, the preparation and soaking of parts lengthens the testing process to 6-8 hours per test.

As with the previous facility, the airbag deployment centre will perform test on the locally built Polo and Polo Vivo models, though the centre will also be able to test future Volkswagen models and perform tests for external customers if this arises.

“Our promise to customers has always been high-quality vehicles, and that includes the safety standards of our products,” said Martina Biene, Volkswagen Group Africa Chairperson and Managing Director. “This new facility is proof that we remain committed to that promise. I am proud to open this airbag deployment centre and want to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly to make it a reality.”

Chamber Establishes its Ninth Geographic Cluster in Fairview

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A collective approach in addressing enabling environment issues of common interest in Fairview has led to businesses establishing a Geographic Cluster in the area to foster a thriving working environment.

This is the ninth cluster to be established by businesses in the metro under the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber banner, with the Beachfront, Baakens Valley, Deal Party, Perseverance, Neave/Korsten, North End, Struandale and Kariega established over the last 18 month period.

To start the process of defining their vision and determining their strategic priorities, the Fairview Cluster has established an interim committee consisting of Nico Claassen (Wirk), Gideon Smith (S4 Integration), Eugene Le Grange (Netwide), Derika Le Grange (Netwide), Belinda Samuels (NTT/Dimension Data), Wikus Loots (Maritime Motors), Paola Horak (Grindstone Properties/NMBBC Board Cluster Lead), Denise van Huyssteen (NMBBC CEO) and Ashwin Daya (NMBBC COO). The interim structure is made up of volunteers from various businesses in the area and are supported by the executive leadership of the Chamber to guide them in developing a legal framework to ensure the Cluster is fully compliant.

One of the companies that have been at the forefront of having a cluster established in the area is S4 Integration, which has consulted widely with other businesses as part of a recruitment drive.

S4 Integration Marketing Manager Gideon Smith says the S4 group has made substantial investments in the Fairview area, which is still evolving as a relatively young business hub with a burgeoning number of enterprises.

“Aligning ourselves with the Business Chamber’s strategy to revive the metro as a conducive place to do business, our primary objective is to actively contribute to the development of the Fairview area, emphasising cleanliness, safety, and community pride. We are dedicated to fostering a thriving environment and by joining forces with other local businesses, our goal is to transform Fairview into a pristine, crime-free zone that residents and businesses alike can take pride in,” says Smith.

He says that some of the challenges businesses are facing in the area include lack of road maintenance, general maintenance and illegal dumping.

“There are likely more or less visible issues, however, we feel that an initial focus on the low-hanging fruit will already make a massive difference in how the area is perceived and this will be a driver for further initiatives to better the area. We also believe that if we set the example, others will follow,” he says.

Chamber chief executive Denise van Huyssteen emphasised that key to ensuring the success of the Fairview Cluster is the adoption of a vision, mission and strategy, along with a timeline for implementation of key initiatives.

“What makes Nelson Mandela Bay based businesses unique is their willingness to collaborate with one another for the greater good of the local economy and on taking action. As a business community we have hope in the future – we know that this is the Bay of opportunity. It starts with all of us believing in its potential and taking action to drive things forward in the right direction,” says Van Huyssteen.

Fairview Cluster Interim Management Committee
Fairview Cluster Interim Management Committee: (Left to right): Eugene Le Grange (Netwide Telecom), Derika Le Grange (Netwide Telecom), Belinda Samuels (NTT / Dimension Data), Nico Claasen (Wirk), Paola Cicognini-Horak (Grindstone Properties/NMBBC Board Cluster Lead), Denise van Huyssteen (Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber), Ashwin Daya (Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber), Wikus Loots (Maritime Motors) and Gideon Smith (S4 Integration).

‘Work 4 a Living’ creates hope

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With the latest unemployment rate in South Africa now over the 40% threshold, hope is often a scarce commodity in our local communities.

However, challenging a poverty and entitlement mindset with hope is exactly what Work 4 a Living Facilitator Grace Chirwa enjoys doing.

She has been part of the Leva Work 4 a Living Centre, based at Fathers House Church in Gqeberha, for the past ten years where she now heads up the centre.

“We train our students to have a strong work ethic, take ownership of their lives and to be financially savvy. The most satisfying part of the job is when we see a student breaking the poverty mindset and becoming free, and shortly after this financial independence follows,” said Chirwa.

The Leva Work 4 a Living Centre is a project of the Leva Foundation in partnership with Siya Sebenza. The 14-day job-readiness workshop provides practical training and a positive framework from which individuals can find employment.

“We have seen over and over again that Work 4 a Living is a powerful way to start the journey of entering the economy. After Work 4 a Living, people follow a vertical career path and break free from poverty,” said Leva Foundation CEO Ryan le Roux.

Some training offered in the job-readiness workshop includes compiling a CV, financial literacy, how to conduct yourself in the workplace and more.

Once successfully completed, students move on to Phase 2 skills courses. An assortment of training is offered like Computer Literacy, Advanced Computer Skills, Office Administration, and Social Media Marketing – to name a few.

While the focus of the Leva Work 4 a Living Centre is on job-readiness training, employers also contact the centre to offer work opportunities to some of the top students who have completed the programme.

“These are normally the students who have excellent time-management skills and have a good attitude and character towards their work. Many get promoted within a short period of time, once they are given an employment opportunity,” said Chirwa.

She said a student who worked at a Summerstrand hotel in Gqeberha impressed a patron of the hotel so much, that the patron contacted the Work 4 a Living facilitators to train her employees in Grahamstown.

Another successful student, who is employed as a Care Worker in Jeffreys Bay, has become so valuable to her employers that they paid for her Learner’s Licence, Driving Lessons and Driver’s Test.

Thando Mlambo, who completed the Work 4 a Living programme in 2022, said she received a call for a job on the very day she graduated from the programme.

“I started off working on weekends as a casual, and now I am the primary carer of a 95-year-old woman, whom I call Ouma. Before the programme my life was in stagnation – it had a big influence on where I am today. When I started in the Work 4 a Living programme Mama Grace (Chirwa) told me that I had what it takes to be employed within 3 months,” said Mlambo, who is a mother of three.

Tino Hofisi, another successful Work 4 a Living graduate, showed a love for all things IT during his training and eventually taught IT Skills in the programme.

“Once I started doing some of the assignments, I realised that it wasn’t that hard and that I actually have a love for computers. The programme helped me to grow in confidence – there are so many opportunities out there, and it is important to believe in yourself. I currently work for an internet service provider in Mpumalanga,” said Hofisi.

He wholeheartedly recommends the Work 4 a Living programme to young, unemployed adults since it prepares them for what to expect in the workplace, how to manage their finances and – perhaps most important of all – to have a positive mindset.

“Many young people will think ‘this is it; this is as far as I can go in life – I will continue to do what my parents have done’. But they need to think out of the box and open their eyes to all the opportunities around them – where they can grow and upskill themselves”.

Transnet reports progress at Eastern Cape ports

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Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) says it is forging ahead with the implementation of the state-owned company’s Recovery Plan at its Eastern Cape ports.

The plan is aimed at enabling efficient utilisation of port infrastructure and improving operational efficiencies at its Central Region ports of East London, Ngqura and Port Elizabeth.

According to TNPA, the improvements are also geared at ensuring competitiveness of the central region ports “through robust port operations oversight, delivery of critical infrastructure and investing in reliable marine fleet”.

“Among the strategic initiatives for East London is the deepening and strengthening of the N-berth, the replacement of two Graving Dock Jib Cranes to enable the ship repair facility and the acquisition of two tugboats. These initiatives are aimed at boosting the river ports marine infrastructure and fleet availability to enable key sectors of the local economy.

“The N-Berth construction project has commenced and will be completed in October 2024. Within this project, TNPA seeks to increase the berth capacity of the automotive terminal of the Port of East London and allow for berthing of modern automotive carriers,” TNPA said in a statement on Thursday.

The authority said the project also includes an upgrade of a quay at the Port Elizabeth port.

“In line with the Central Region’s focus on enabling the local fishing industry in Nelson Mandela Bay, the project pipeline for the Port of Port Elizabeth includes the completed upgrade of the 1200-ton slipway and the refurbishment of the Dom Pedro Quay which is planned to commence at the end of February 2024.

“The port will also benefit from eight of the 52 hydraulic tension units that TNPA has procured for its ports,” TNPA said.

Earlier this month, TNPA announced that the first batch of four hydraulic mooring units it has procured to improve operations and reduce shipping delays at ports have been delivered and operationalised at the Ports of Cape Town and Ngqura. – SAnews.gov.za

Coega Joins Working World Exhibition VIP Panel to Share Skills Development Insights

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Gqeberha, South Africa, 22 February 2024 – The Coega Development Corporation (Coega) took part in the 25th Edition of the Annual Working World Exhibition (WWE) at the Feathermarket Centre in Gqeberha, from the 20th to the 22nd of February 2024. The event provided a platform for Grade 12 learners and educators from the region’s leading schools to explore various career opportunities and gain valuable insights into the working world.

Director of Inkanyezi Events, WWE organiser, Mr. Andrew Binning, explained the purpose of the WWE: “This event brings together government, business, civil society, and education, so that young people can engage and network with role players face to face, and hopefully be inspired with a vision for their future. This is important because we all have a collective role to play in ensuring that young people thrive and add value to society.”

As part of its contribution to the dynamic three-day career exhibition, Coega participated in an insightful panel discussion for 300 Grade 12 learners and educators. The discussion aimed to provide guidance to school-leavers as they enter the workforce or pursue further education, covering a range of topics including skills development, career options, and the importance of informed decision-making. During the event, Coega also shared valuable material with attendees, including information on the catalytic Coega Maths and Science Programme, which is specifically designed to enhance matric performance in Mathematics and Physical Science and promote careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Ms. Fonziaan Siphosethu Carelsen (17), a Grade 12 learner from Brandwag High School in Kariega, attended the WWE for the first time and shared her experience: “Engaging with the professionals in this setting gave me a wake-up call, in terms of what I want to be in life. I want to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree as my desired career is to be a Forensic Scientist.”

Mr. Craig Luckman, the Unit Head of Coega Human Capital Solutions, represented Coega as a VIP speaker in the panel discussion facilitated by the distinguished Professor of Education for Stellenbosch University, Professor Jonathan Jansen.

“Coega’s participation in this event is about sharing valuable information to equip young people with the insight to navigate a very competitive job market and to make informed decisions about the future. We were invited to share experience- based insights on the skills needed by industry and the value of following an entrepreneurial path,” said Luckman.

Luckman explained that the various training initiatives facilitated by Coega have been conceptualised to support the professional growth of young people, and importantly, the broader goals outlined by national government in terms of fit- for-purpose skills. “We cannot overlook the value of skills in the STEM fields in terms of employability. Similarly, we need to instill the value of vocational and artisanal skills in our young people.”

Luckman went on to highlight the importance of young people putting theory into practice to refine their skills: “The benefit of the working world these days is the fact that internships are offered. Young people need to make use of these opportunities as it will have a significant impact on their employability thereafter. Coega is very serious about taking in a cohort of interns from year to year to impact positivity on the employability of young people in the region.”

The annual WWE aims empower and position learners for the world of work, aligning with the South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP Vision 2030) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this event and look forward to supporting future career development initiatives in the region,” concluded Luckman.

Boardwalk’s new maintenance manager builds on a culture of reliability

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Gadu doing due diligence as he settles in to Nelson Mandela Bay’s Playground.

Armed with international qualifications and a mindset of customer service and safety, Boardwalk’s new maintenance manager, Luncedo Gadu, is ready to keep facilities at the Gqeberha hotel and casino in tip top shape.

The East London-born man took his schooling at Buchule Technical High School in Mdantsane seriously, going on to secure an electrical engineering diploma from Vaal University of Technology and a Bachelor of Engineering in electrical and electronics from Universiti Teknologi Petronas in Malaysia, courtesy of a government scholarship. “It was a positive, life-changing opportunity,” Gadu said of his three years in Malaysia.

The 45-year-old has “seen a couple of different sunrises”, having lived around the country. His previous position was as a maintenance manager in the construction and petro-chemical industries in Mossel Bay, and his move to Boardwalk is his first foray into the hospitality industry. He is finding the change of pace refreshing, he said.

“In construction, you have times which are less quiet, and then times of emergency. Here, as long as we have guests, the pace is always on and consistent. When customers are involved, there is even more pressure to deliver good service,” Gadu said. He and his team of 10, including maintenance supervisors, HVAC specialists and handymen, are responsible for ensuring that lights, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration are all functioning.

“We are also looking at energy saving measures which are a priority across Sun International. What this looks like for Boardwalk are things like motion sensors for the escalators so that they don’t run 24 hours a day, and occupancy sensors for common areas. Our processes must be integrated into health and safety, so I aim to have more toolbox talks and hold regular meetings to ensure seamless handover on projects.”

Gadu’s arrival in Nelson Mandela Bay was brought on by his wife’s new job in the petro-chemical industry. “It’s great to be closer to home, just a few hours’ drive from East London,” he said.

In his spare time, Gadu enjoys reading current affairs, politics, engineering and science. “Anything except novels.”

ECMG and AMG Drive East Cape Expansion for Mahindra

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Mahindra South Africa has concluded a major expansion drive in the Eastern Cape.

The group has signed new dealership agreements with Eastern Cape Motors and the Algoa Motor Group to add new state-of-the-art dealerships in East London, King William’s Town and Humansdorp.

Eastern Cape Motor Group (ECMG) is one of the largest independently owned dealer groups in South Africa with a history in East London that stretches back to 1985. The company represents many different brands and its new dealerships in East London and King William’s Town (Qonce) are a first for Mahindra.

ECMG will open its service centre for Mahindra in East London on 1 March 2024, the first day possible after the expiry of the existing dealership contract with another group in East London.

The group will then add a brand new showroom floor on 1 April. Both facilities will be located at 93 Fitzpatrick Road, Arcadia in the city.

The second showroom and service centre – in King William’s Town – will open on 1 April. This new showroom will also boast the new Mahindra corporate identity, and the service centre will be well-equipped with the advanced equipment and tools required to service the new range of Mahindra SUVs and Pik Up models.

Algoa Motor Group is also a well-established dealer group that represents different new vehicle brands in the Eastern Cape.

The group will open its new Humansdorp showroom and service centre on 1 March. As with the two facilities opened by the Eastern Cape Motor Group, this facility will showcase the new Mahindra corporate identity and will be equipped with all the necessary diagnostic and service equipment required to service and support the new range of Mahindra vehicles.

Says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa: “It is no mean feat to be selected as a Mahindra dealer. You are required to meet the global Mahindra standards for technical expertise, customer service and financial adequacy.

“Both the Eastern Cape Motor Group and the Algoa Motor Group not only met our standards but exceeded them. We look forward to working closely with the newly appointed dealer teams to support and grow the Mahindra family in the Eastern Cape.”