The Coega Development Corporation (Coega), last weekend on 29 June 2024, emerged as the Special Winner of the Infrastructure and Development Award for exceptional performance in its role as a trusted Implementing Agent of Choice in South Africa at the Africa Career Summit and Gala Awards 2024, which took place in Sandton, north of Johannesburg.
“In line with its dream, build, prosper campaign, Coega’s win underscores its role as a beacon of hope in the region, a transformation champion, and a leading catalyst for socioeconomic development in South Africa and beyond through its exemplary 25-year track record in infrastructure development and project management, with a focus on job creation, skills development, and inclusive economic growth. This supports the achievement of the National Development Plan Vision 2030, and the National Infrastructure Plan 2050. As such, in 2020, Coega was identified in the South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan as a leading Infrastructure Agent designated for certain key national projects and to further strengthen state capacity for infrastructure expansion,” says Dr. Ayanda Vilakazi, Coega Head of Marketing, Brand and Communications.
Coega has ISO certified standards in various processes and systems and a capable team of engineers and project managers using best practice in infrastructure development.
Coega’s unique value proposition ensures the timeous completion of projects, within scope, budget and quality including project methodology, reporting, and monitoring services, integrated planning and budgeting, the development of business plans, stakeholder analysis and engagement programmes, the procurement of service providers and required equipment, on-the-job training and contractor development, human capital solutions, post-implementation monitoring, and facilities maintenance.
The Africa Career Summit and Gala Awards 2024 served as a nexus to form partnerships, network, and celebrate excellence in the African business community. The awards also aimed to showcase businesses and individuals that are driving transformational leadership, social progress, and sustainable development in their respective industries.
Representing Coega, Ms. Sibongile Phiri, Talent and Performance Management Specialist, said that winning the Infrastructure and Development Award underscores Coega’s dedication to enhancing public sector capacity for service delivery, and its unwavering commitment to development. “Being recognised as a leader in infrastructure development on such an esteemed platform is a significant achievement for Coega. The award, once again, reinforces Coega’s competence, innovation, and expertise as a trusted Infrastructure Implementing Agent of Choice in South Africa,” said Phiri.
During the 2023/24 financial year alone, from April 2023 to March 2024, Coega supported the Eastern Cape Department of Education and Department of Health with the successful completion of infrastructure projects to the value of R4bn in pursuit of its vision as a leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development.
Currently, Coega is implementing 26 projects on behalf of the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure through its debut programme, the Turnkey Projects Programme, to the value of approximately R1.3bn. These projects range from muchneeded repairs and upgrades to public facilities to the construction of new facilities located the cities of Cape Town, Johannesburg, Tshwane, Bloemfontein, Gqeberha, and Mahikeng, amongst others.
In conclusion, Coega will continue to play a pivotal role in advancing infrastructure development as a key priority in line with national objectives. Based on proven expertise in infrastructure delivery and maintenance, and an established track record of excellence, Coega is committed to maintaining its role as a transformative force through the growth of its infrastructure development portfolio.
