“The Coega Development Corporation (Coega), developer of the 9003ha Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and trusted infrastructure Implementing Agent of Choice in South Africa, with a footprint beyond the borders of the country, is pleased to announce that it received an award of excellence, the prestigious Transformation Entity of the Year Award, at the 5th annual Construction Industry Development Board’s (CIDB) Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Construction Awards, held on Thursday, 22 August 2024, in Sandton, Johannesburg,” says Dr. Ayanda Vilakazi, Coega’s Head of Marketing, Brand and Communications.
In the 2023/24 financial year, Coega achieved a remarkable R1.027bn in SMME procurement spend, with over R460m allocated to black women- and youth-owned SMMEs. This translates to a 69.41% achievement of SMME procurement expenditure targets, of which 36% was directed towards women-owned businesses.
Coega has facilitated CIDB upgrades for 81 SMMEs, enabling them to secure larger contracts and expand their operations. The organisation’s exemplary achievement of a level 1 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) rating, coupled with the successful implementation of the BEE Scorecard Improvement Programme, have empowered 600 black-owned companies to enhance their B-BBEE status.
The Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Honourable Sihle Zikalala, said: “We are here to highlight and celebrate the success stories of women in this maledominated construction industry and recognise the commitment amongst stakeholders to support women in their professional growth and development.
The National Development Plan views the construction industry as an engine for job creation and inclusive economic growth, with infrastructure development described as a flywheel of the South Africa Economy,” continued Honourable Zikalala.
The Transformation Entity of the Year category recognises organisations that champion gender equality and foster the growth of women-led businesses within the construction sector. As an Infrastructure Implementing Agent of Choice, the award was received by Coega’s SMME Development Project Coordinator, Ms. Nazlie Allie, highlighting the alignment of the award category with Coega’s broader socio-economic development mandate as a public entity.
Coega’s recognition as the Transformation Entity of the Year is a testament to its impactful work in driving positive change and empowering women. The organisation’s dedication to creating a supportive environment for women entrepreneurs in the SMME arena has been instrumental in its success.
Ms. Unathi Maholwana, Coega’s SMME Development Programme Manager, expressed pride in the achievement: “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team in empowering SMMEs. Our comprehensive SMME Development Programme, which includes BBBEE compliance, training, mentorship, and CIDB grading support, has been instrumental in fostering the growth and sustainability of these businesses, and in turn, Coega’s success in this sphere of socio-economic development.”
In conclusion, Coega’s win as the CIDB ERWIC Transformation Entity of the Year is a resounding affirmation of Coega’s position as a leader in socio-economic development and as a designated Implementing Agent of Choice for certain key projects in the South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan aligned to the National Development Plan Vision 2030 and the National Infrastructure Plan 2050. The award follows Coega’s Infrastructure Development Award at the Africa Career Summit 2024 and Community Builder Award at the Black Business Quarterly Awards 2024, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to inclusive socio-economic development.
