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Gqeberha, South Africa, 12 September 2023 – As a function that is central to the achievement of clean audit findings, effective records management ensures the responsible handling and retrieval of vital information for verification purposes. As a standard practice, the Coega Development Corporation (Coega), recently, welcomed the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) for a benchmarking visit aimed at studying Coega’s record management and processes, to identify areas of improvement for the department.

According to Ms. Gqigqi Dotwana, the Deputy Director for Records Management at the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform: “Cultivating a culture of effective record management is the bedrock of progress, and visiting Coega was a step toward nurturing this foundation. We aimed to learn from Coega’s meticulous processes, so we may harvest knowledge to enhance our own department’s commitment to responsible record keeping.”

Mr. Premier Masango, Coega Records Management Officer, underlines the significance of the organisation’s records management process and guidelines: “Efficient document and record management is the backbone of our organisation’s success. These practices strengthen Coega’s ability to make informed decisions, enhance operational efficiency, and drive growth. By maintaining a structured and standardised system for documenting and managing information, Coega not only achieves clean audit findings but also fosters a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

“These guidelines provide a solid foundation for mitigating risks associated with data breaches, loss of critical information, and regulatory non-compliance. Ultimately, Coega’s records management process and guidelines are instrumental in safeguarding its reputation, bolstering stakeholder confidence, and positioning the organisation as a leader in its industry.”

Benchmarking provides a comparative analysis of how successful entities handle their information assets, enabling organisations to make better informed decisions. By benchmarking record management practices, Coega gains valuable insights into industry best practices, eliminates inefficiencies, and streamlines its operations, ultimately leading to enhanced efficiency, reduced costs, and improved productivity.

Regular evaluations of document and record management practices empower Coega to identify opportunities for innovation and advancement, ensuring long- term sustainability and success, and adaptability to evolving technologies, industry trends, and regulatory requirements.

Lastly, effective document and record management practices mitigate risks associated with data breaches, loss of information, and non-compliance. Benchmarking enables Coega to implement robust security measures, reducing the likelihood of data breaches and protecting sensitive information. Coega is committed to upholding best practices as an International Organisation Standardization (ISO) certified organisation, fostering confidence among investors, clients, and government agencies, and ultimately, ensuring overall organisational success.

Coega has made significant strides in job creation, through 15,222 total jobs created, which comprise 5,844 construction jobs and 9,378 accumulative operational jobs in the Coega Special Economic Zone.

Coega has yet again emerged as a beacon of hope and catalyst for driving economic development.

Through its steadfast commitment to creating a preferred investment destination in Africa and cultivating sustainable strategic partnerships, Coega has made significant strides in job creation, through 15,222 total jobs created, which comprise 5,844 construction jobs and 9,378 accumulative operational jobs in the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

Coega aims to stimulate socio-economic development through, amongst other efforts, attracting sustainable investments in the SEZ, and as a trusted infrastructure implementing agent of choice in the country and beyond its borders through the Coega Africa Programme (CAP). Empirical studies have shown that economic growth tends to be positively associated with job creation. Throughout the 2022/23 financial year, Coega has demonstrated unparalleled success in the realm of job creation, as a story of good progress, with a dedicated focus on key sectors including manufacturing, automotive, energy, and logistics, thereby significantly bolstering the local economy, and enriching the lives of individuals and communities.

Coega’s approach to job creation is rooted in its dedication to skills development and comprehensive training programmes that are offered to communities, and a special focus on youth, women, and persons with disabilities. Coega’s achievement on job creation is in line with the objectives of the country’s National Development Plan (NDP), vision 2030 and other government’s initiatives to stimulate employment opportunities. Moreover, such interventions are important as the country currently faces a 32.6% unemployment rate, according to Statistics South Africa, with recent job gains stemming mainly from construction, trade, and community and social services.

Having secured four investors, with a combined investment value of over R385.2 million in the first quarter of this financial year 2023/24, Coega seeks to build upon its achievements by attracting further investment, expanding its infrastructure portfolios, and diversifying its economic base. By placing emphasis on emerging sectors such as renewable energy, agro-processing, and information technology, Coega seeks to establish a sustainable and inclusive economic ecosystem capable of withstanding future challenges and uncertainties.

To achieve its objectives, Coega acknowledges the paramount significance of collaboration and partnerships. By nurturing relationships with local and international investors, industry stakeholders, and government entities, Coega can harness collective expertise, resources, and market opportunities. Furthermore, Coega remains unwavering in its commitment to maintaining a transparent and investor-friendly environment, ensuring a conducive business climate that attracts both domestic and foreign investments.

In conclusion, Coega’s exceptional achievement creating 15,222 jobs underscores its pivotal role as a driving force in fostering economic growth through the creation of meaningful employment opportunities. Coega’s unwavering dedication to sustainable development, strategic partnerships, and inclusive approach to job creation exemplify its commitment to enhancing both the local and national economic landscape.

Gqeberha, South Africa, 1 September 2023 – The Coega Development Corporation (Coega) in partnership with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), this week, hosted a Women’s Empowerment Expo at the Coega Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Park Auditorium to inform and empower young women before they embark on further education, training and/or entrepreneurship. The event formed part of Women’s Month activities, in line with this year’s theme of “Accelerating Socio-economic Opportunities for Women Empowerment.” This Expo follows Coega’s prestigious award of excellence in the Skills Education and Training category at the African Business Awards, in Sandton, north of Johannesburg on 17 August 2023.

The event provided 120 Grade 12 female learners, from Walmer High School, vital information about career, training, bursary, and funding opportunities from various stakeholders, including the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), SA Youth Harambee, Transnet Freight and Rail, and the Coega Development Corporation. The programme concluded with a guided tour of the 9003ha Coega Special Economic Zone, exposing learners to key economic sectors and potential careers within these sectors.

According to Ms. Zukiswa Mqumbisa, GCIS Regional Communication Coordinator, “the inspiration behind this Expo stemmed from the fruitful collaboration between GCIS and Coega during the Youth Empowerment Expo in June to commemorate Youth Month. Recognising the value of collective efforts, the decision was made to extend this partnership into Women’s Month, aiming to collectively uplift young women through the Women Empowerment Expo. This event stood as a beacon of information, education, and opportunity for aspiring young minds.”

Women’s Month underscores the significance of elevating and providing comprehensive support to women from all walks of life. It serves as a poignant reminder of the continuous endeavours aimed at engendering an environment of inclusivity and parity, wherein women are enabled to robustly engage, assume leadership roles, and effectively articulate their perspectives.

Ms. Sandra Chinaka, Coega Skills Development Facilitator, shared Coega’s role in equipping young people with the necessary training, in line with Coega’s vision to be a catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development, “the Coega Skills Development Centre has been instrumental in empowering unemployed individuals by enhancing their skill sets and competencies.”

One of the learners, Sosulwe Tyuka, from Walmer High School, expressed her gratitude, “We are grateful for the opportunity to explore potential career paths and learn about different sectors within Coega Special Economic Zone. This Expo has exposed us to various opportunities that can guide our university and career choices.”

Coega’s partnership with GCIS underscores the significance of strategic collaborations in fostering positive transformation in society. As an organisation committed to empowerment, Coega continues to pave the way for women to seize socio-economic opportunities, thereby catalysing progress, and growth.

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More Info on Coega and GCIS Empower 120 Matriculants as Wrap-up to Women’s Month here: Coega Development Corporation
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Address: Corner Alcyon Road & Zibuko Street Zone 1, Coega SEZ, Gqeberha
Author: Andile April from Coega Development Corporation.
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Gqeberha, South Africa, 31 August 2023 – The Coega Development Corporation (Coega), proudly supported the Eastern Cape Department of Education in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, with the official launch of Ngubengcuka Senior Secondary School

in Queenstown, and Attwell Madala Senior Secondary, in Mthatha, in the Eastern Cape. The launch of the schools is aligned to 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 MEC for the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Ms. Ntombovuyo Nkopane, and the MEC for the Eastern Cape Department of Education, Mr. Fundile David Gade, carried out the successful handover of the schools, with Coega leading the opening ceremonies.

Based on 23 years’ experience in infrastructure development, Coega’s primary objective in capacitating the province in infrastructure delivery revolves around leveraging its unique advantages to drive sustainable development and economic growth.

Consequently, Coega assists in ensuring that the Department of Education remains steadfast in its core mission. By offering a platform that facilitates skill development, job creation, and industrial progress, Coega contributes to a strengthened educational ecosystem. This symbiotic partnership empowers the Department of Education to concentrate its efforts on enhancing educational quality and access, while Coega continues to champion economic empowerment through infrastructural excellence as a Trusted Implementing Agent of Choice.

Ms. Thembeka Poswa, Coega Programme Director for Department of Education/ Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, expressed deep appreciation for being trusted to lead the launch, “This milestone not only signifies our commitment to education and community development, but also exemplifies the strength of partnerships in achieving transformative results.”

Coega reaffirms its unwavering dedication to driving educational excellence through the enhancement of school infrastructure. As a catalyst for positive change, Coega recognises that well-constructed and modern facilities play a crucial role in raising education standards and nurturing the potential of future generations. As a result, the successful launch of these schools is a testament to the collective dedication to advancing education and fostering growth within the Eastern Cape region and beyond.

The launch of new schools holds immense significance, not only in terms of providing access to quality education but also in adding value to communities. Coega’s dedication to this cause is evident in its collaboration with stakeholders to create conducive learning environments that inspire growth and development, in line with the South African National Development Plan (Vision 2030).

In the Eastern Cape, where educational opportunities are crucial for the region’s progress, the development of schools is a critical component. Coega stands resolute in its belief that enhancing infrastructure in schools is a fundamental step towards raising education standards and shaping a brighter future; and the organisation understands that conducive educational facilities are integral to creating an environment that nurtures learning and empowers students.

The official opening of Ngubengcuka and Attwell Madala Senior Secondary Schools signifies not only new infrastructure (buildings), but a new chapter for learners, parents, and communities. Coega’s involvement underscores the organisation’s unwavering determination to contribute meaningfully to educational advancement and community development in line with its vision of being a leading catalyst for the champioining of socio-economic development.

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Author: Andile April from Coega Development Corporation.