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On Friday, 09 February 2024, the Coega Development Corporation (Coega) hosted a certificate handover ceremony for its 2023 Maths and Science (MSP) Programme Top Achievers.

The celebration, which took place at the Bluewater Bay Sunrise Hotel (BWBSH), was attended by the top 11 learners from the 2023 academic year, programme facilitators, parents, and stakeholders, including the Eastern Cape Department of Education and the Eastern Cape Socio Economic Consultative Council.

The certificate handover ceremony also marked a second consecutive 100% pass rate for the Coega MSP, which resides in Coega’s Corporate Services Business Unit and offers matriculants a second chance to improve their grade 12 Mathematics and Physical Science results.

The MSP Class of 2023 produced ten (10) distinctions in Mathematics. Thirty- three (33) learners excelled with above 70% in Mathematics, and eleven (11) achieved above 70% in Physical Science. One of the biggest improvements recorded in Mathematics was an increase from 31% to 72%, and one of the biggest improvements in Physical Science was from 39% to 77%, shared Mr. Eldon September, who has been a facilitator for the past 10 years. Together, the Coega MSP team has achieved exceptional results, with close to 1,000 learners successfully exiting the programme.

Mr. Ernest Gorgonzola, District Director of Education for the Nelson Mandela Bay region, expressed his appreciation to Coega: “Thank you to the Coega Development Corporation. We need to work more closely to capitalise on the expertise in this Programme. The Coega Development Corporation contributed to the improvement of Mathematics and Physical Science results of the Nelson Mandela Bay district and Eastern Cape as a whole,” said Gorgonzola.

The Coega MSP, a Corporate Social Investment Programme, aligns with Coega’s commitment to promoting education and skills development within communities, in line with Coega’s vision of being a leading catalyst for the championing of socio- economic development.

Ms. Nontembeko Tom, Subject Planner for the Eastern Cape Department of Education expressed a sense of pride on behalf of the Department and all role- players: “Your dedication to education and nurturing the minds of our learners is truly commendable. To the learners, you are the heart of this Programme. Thank you for inspiring us and reminding us of the true purpose of our work.”

The Coega MSP enables learners to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). With the help of the MSP, thousands of learners have been able to secure admission to their preferred tertiary institutions and excel in their careers.

The top learner from the Coega MSP Class of 2023 and future Engineer, Ms. Limpho Fadane, who achieved 86% in Mathematics and 77% in Physical Science, addressed attendees with a word of encouragement: “This is a very auspicious moment for me as this was not an easy journey. Always remember that there is nothing worthwhile without hard work. Let’s begin the next journey of our lives.”

As the organisation looks ahead, Coega anticipates the enhancement of the MSP by introducing technology, upskilling, coaching, and mentoring for facilitators and administrators.

Over the next five years, the envisaged plan includes expanding beneficiaries from 100 to 500, reinforcing Coega’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of STEM professionals. The past week also marked the commencement of classes for the 97 learners enrolled in the 2024 Coega MSP, some of whom look forward to receiving their Top Achiever certificate at next year’s ceremony.

Coega’s Executive Manager for Corporate Services, Ms. Mokgaetši Sebothoma, wished the learners well in their journey ahead: “We wish you the best of luck with your future careers which promise to be bright; and remember, it’s about lifelong learning, perseverance, and grit. These are some of the qualities that will ensure that you can be your very best and positively impact those around you.”

On Friday, 09 February 2024, Coega was pleased to support the official handover of the Nkululeko Senior Secondary School (SSS) to the community of KwaNobuhle by the Eastern Cape Department of Education. The Nkululeko SSS, which falls under the Department’s School Building Programme, involved the renovation and upgrade of an existing public school facility in the Nelson Mandela Municipality of the Eastern Cape.

The Premier of the Eastern Cape, Honourable Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, who officially opened the school, explained that the month of February has been dedicated to opening the schools that have been built across the province. “This project has been facilitated by Coega, the best performing SEZ in the country. In deep rural areas, you will see state-of- the art schools. When we put this infrastructure in place, we are inspiring these communities. We have taken this school to another level, including science and computer labs and sport fields. If you invest in education, you can never go wrong,” said Premier Mabuyane.

Coega serves as an Implementing Agent (IA) of Choice on an assortment of school projects, including new schools, improvements, and additions to existing schools, as well as repairs and renovations to various schools, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development (SDG) Goal 4, which is about “ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

The project, millions of rands in value, incorporates a new administration block with staff ablutions, a total of 27 standard classrooms, 11 single-story building blocks, four specialist classrooms including a library, multipurpose and science laboratory, learner ablutions distributed in two blocks, support and ancillary facilities comprising a nutrition centre, tuck-shop, caretaker room, security gatehouse, and refuse yard.

Ms. Thembeka Poswa, Coega Programme Director, said that the improvement of learning environments will result in improved outcomes for the learners and the community.

“Coega was very lucky to be appointed as the Implementing Agent on this project. The completion of Nkululeko plays a significant role in improving the potential of all learners in the Eastern Cape, as education is one of the most essential pillars upon which an equitable, inclusive, and developmental society is established,” said Poswa.

In addition to the new infrastructure, the project included the establishment of 5000l rainwater storage tanks, an elevated water storage tank, paved and grassed assembly areas, drinking fountains, concrete seating benches, soft and hard landscaping, a covered storm water drainage system, water and sewer reticulation, electricity supply, and perimeter security fencing for the whole site. The pre-existing school building facilities, located on the northern portion of the site, measuring approximately 2500m2 area and 3500 mm high are set to be demolished.

Nkululeko Grade 11 learner, Awonke Pawu, expressed his excitement immediately after the opening ceremony: “I’ve been a learner here for many years, and last year, we were told that we would have a new school. I feel alive and excited because the promise was kept.”

In terms of socio-economic development imperatives, the project provided employment to 29 local workers, two built environment interns, and 13 SMME contractors. Coega strives to continue enhancing the educational outcomes and increasing accessibility, particularly in rural areas, where there is a lack of basic amenities like adequate learning environments, essential teaching tools, electricity, water, and sanitary facilities.

“Coega’s work as a Trusted Implementing Agent of Choice in South Africa enables us to execute our vision to be a leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development through the provision of educational facilities and the creation of jobs within local communities,” concluded Poswa.

The Coega Development Corporation’s (Coega) approach to skills development and training recognises the pivotal role of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) expertise as a catalyst for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. STEM fields are acknowledged as major innovation drivers, offering solutions to contemporary issues in sustainable development, equitable growth, and social well-being.

Coega has formally pledged its support to the advancement of STEM, through the facilitation and endorsement of skills development and training initiatives, and infrastructure development programmes that embody a spirit of hope and continuous improvement. In so doing, Coega contributes to a more sustainable and innovation-driven South Africa, as well as access to opportunities to historically disadvantaged communities, with a focus on women and youth.

Coega stands resolute in its contribution to education, by, amongst others, offering a second chance to learners hoping to pursue STEM careers.

In fact, this week marked the commencement of the Coega Maths and Science Programme (MSP) Class of 2024’s academic journey to improve their matric Mathematics and Physical Science results, with 97 learners entering the programme. The Coega MSP is a fully funded initiative that offers matriculants an opportunity to enhance their Grade 12 Mathematics and Physical Science results, thereby improving the likelihood of university admission to study their preferred STEM courses.

With a consecutive 100% pass rate, the Coega MSP exposes learners to an intensive teaching programme aimed at closing the learning gaps that students may have experienced in their matric year.

Another prime example of Coega’s work in the advancement of STEM, is the Coega Skills Development Centre (SDC). The Coega SDC serves as a catalyst for mitigating socio- economic challenges by providing vocational training that is essential for securing employment across diverse industries. The SDC recently applied to the Quality Council for Trade and Occupations (QCTO) to offer a credit bearing and nationally recognised skills programme for Renewable Energy Workshop Assistant.

The Coega Global Scholars Programme (CGSP) further contributes to socio-economic transformation by enabling postgraduate (Masters) training for current and future management talent, funding their courses at top-tier global universities specialising in STEM and related interdisciplinary studies. Currently, two Coega Global Scholars Programme (CGSP) candidates are in their 10th month of studying towards Master’s Degrees in Electrical Engineering and Urban Agglomeration, respectively.

Coega also provides STEM-related internships as part of its overarching Internship Programme. The Coega Internship Programme offers graduates real-world exposure to careers in Finance, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), and Engineering through its various business units, to name a few.

Coega’s dedication to STEM education extends to school infrastructure development and support. Most notably, the construction of the Anton Lembede Mathematics, Sciences, and Technology: School of Innovation and Leadership Academy, for which Coega was appointed as the Implementing Agent, inclusive of the provisioning of ICT infrastructure. This project was aligned to 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 promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” Through a hybrid teaching model, blending online and offline methods, the Anton Lembede Mathematics, Sciences, and Technology: School of Innovation and Leadership Academy offers inclusive access to quality education, while preparing students for the digital age.

Coega acknowledges that STEM fields present innovative methods and solutions to current and evolving issues, including sustainable development, equitable growth, and social well-being. For this reason, Coega’s training initiatives have been conceptualised to not only support the professional growth of individuals, but also the broader societal goals outlined in development frameworks issued by national government, such as the National Development Plan Vision 2030.

In conclusion, Coega’s commitment to education, skills development and training will shape a brighter future for South Africa, where STEM education serves as a cornerstone for sustainable development, innovation, and societal progress.