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Gqeberha, South Africa, 27 September 2023 – With a few days to go before the commencement of the Annual Eastern Cape Investment Conference at the East London International Convention Centre on 29 September, the Coega Development Corporation (Coega) looks forward to being a part of the Conference to share progress achieved within the first six months of this year.

Since April 2023, Coega has announced five (5) new investors set to take up space in the safe and secure 9003-hectare Special Economic Zone (SEZ), with a combined investment value pledged of R385m (Q1/2023/24FY) and 384 expected jobs. This is in addition to further investment pledges made at the South African Investment Conference earlier this year. Investments announced since April 2023, include, amongst others, MEC Commercial Trailers, with an estimated investment value pledged of R370 million, expected to create approximately 150 operational jobs and 200 construction jobs; Atlantic Glass, with an estimated investment value pledged of R13 million, and expected to create 20 operational jobs; and Romark Logistics, with a R2.2 million investment value pledged, and expected to create 14 operational jobs. This month, Coega welcomed the announcement of a R3bn investment by the Stellantis Group for a CKD automotive manufacturing plant in the Coega SEZ. Direct employment to support the first capacity step is expected at 1 000 jobs, with around 2 097 jobs anticipated for the Eastern Cape (EC) Province. The Stellantis investment will make the EC Province home to five global automotive manufacturers.

“These secured investments are a story of good progress and testament to the attractiveness of the Coega brand in global markets, its good reputation and the competitiveness of its SEZ, that is an investment destination of choice amongst local and global corporations; and it already hosts several global and regional brands across various sectors,” says Mr. Thandile Jack, Coega Senior Business Development Manager.

Based on feedback from the 2021 Coega SEZ Investor Satisfaction Survey, 86% of respondents indicated their satisfaction with the Coega SEZ as their investment destination, while 91.6% would recommend the Coega SEZ as an ideal business location to other businesses, and 91,7% indicated that their business key performance indicators have improved since locating at the Coega SEZ. The recent investor survey published by Statistics South Africa (Coega SEZ Census Report), indicated that Coega SEZ investors generated a collective income of R14,3 billion. The total income reflected an annualised increase of 9,0% compared to the income reported in the corresponding survey of 2018 (R11,0 billion).

“With new investments spanning the automotive, energy, manufacturing, and logistics sectors, the Coega SEZ is the continent’s example of what fit-for-purpose locations, synergistic planning, and a client-centric approach to business can achieve,” added Jack.

In a bid to attract further investment, Coega also recently formed part of a delegation accompanying the EC Premier, Honourable Oscar Mabuyane, on an official visit to Tunisia where MOUs and partnership agreements were signed between the EC Province and Tunisia.

Since inception, Coega has played a pivotal role in driving inclusive growth and socio-economic transformation, not only in South Africa, but also across the African continent in areas where the organisation operates. One of Coega’s most remarkable achievements has been its role in the creation of employment opportunities. Last year (2022/23 financial year), Coega generated 15,222 direct and indirect jobs, empowering individuals, and communities alike. By harnessing its regional strength in terms of strategic location and existing industrial activity, Coega has not only stimulated inclusive economic growth but has also nurtured a skilled workforce to foster inclusive development. Coega has become a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change.

The organisation looks forward to the Eastern Cape Investment Conference 2023 as a crucial platform to attract and facilitate foreign and domestic investments, and what the next six months have in store for advancing economic growth and development.

Ahead of the International Coastal Clean Up Day 2023, the Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor, Gary van Niekerk, Coega Development Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Khwezi Tiya and Sustainable Seas Trust Executive Director, Dr. Stacy Webb, today, joined Coega employees, investors located in the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and other stakeholders, for the second Annual Coega SEZ Coastal Clean Up Day.

Aligned to Coega’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action) and 14 (Life Below Water), Paris Agreement on climate change, and in commemoration of International Coastal Clean Up Day on 16 September, the Coega SEZ Coastal Clean Up aims to raise awareness about the growing challenge of pollution on beaches and encourage behaviour change.

The Coega SEZ Coastal Clean Up aims to safeguard marine environments against land pollution, raise awareness about the growing problem of increased pollution levels on beaches, and encourage change in behavioural patterns that negatively affect the beach and marine environments. Targeted litter items on the day included plastic, metal, glass, paper, unrecyclables, and any other debris that may cause harm to land and ocean species.

According to Sisa Xabanisa, Coega Environmental Manager, “Hosting International Coastal Clean-up Day aligns with our belief that unity is the driving force behind meaningful and sustainable change. By bringing the Coega community and stakeholders together, along with the rest of the world, to commemorate the cause, we aim to champion change through unity. Hopefully, our collective efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to safeguarding marine environments for future generations. Plastic pollution is a massive problem for our coastal environments, and every small action to clean up is a big step towards making a difference.”

Coastal clean up efforts contribute to the preservation of both marine and terrestrial life by removing litter and pollutants from beaches and coastlines, reducing the presence of toxic chemicals, creating a safer coastal environment, and ensuring the safe disposal of collected litter.

Dr. Stacy Webb, Executive Director at Sustainable Seas Trust, says: “Our partnership with Coega is aligned with our goal of growing a network to create awareness and facilitate best practices around the conservation of our seas, and the management of the waste that flows into them. Together, we can create a future where Africa’s people and Africa’s seas flourish together.”

The Coega SEZ Coastal Clean Up stands as a testament to Coega’s fundamental value of sustainability and helps prevent the contamination of critical habitats, such as mangroves and wetlands, which are essential for biodiversity and the wellbeing of land and marine species. Ultimately, these collective actions work together to ensure the sustainable coexistence of life on land and in our oceans.

Ms. Mareleze DuRandt, Coega Human Capital Solutions Administration Coordinator, shares insight on her participation: “At Coega, we recognise the importance of corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship. By actively participating, we aspire to demonstrate our commitment to a cleaner, healthier environment. It’s about taking proactive steps toward a sustainable future.”

As the developer and operator of a preferred and competitive investment destination, and a leading SEZ in Africa, Coega is committed to fostering a harmonious coexistence with the natural environment, as a leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development.