The Coega Development Corporation (Coega) is pleased to welcome over 20 new interns, selected from a highly competitive pool of nine thousand applicants for its flagship Internship Programme. Over the past 15 years, the Programme has a proven track record of propelling hundreds of young professionals towards success.
The Coega Internship Programme is designed to provide essential skills, knowledge, and exposure to qualified graduates, thereby bridging the gap between the world of study and the workplace for young professionals for a period of 24 months. By providing a supportive and dynamic environment, Coega empowers interns to reach their full potential, preparing them for a successful career in their chosen field.
Mr. Craig Luckman, Coega’s Acting Unit Head of Human Resources, said: “We are excited to welcome our new interns to the Coega family. Our Internship Programme is a cornerstone of our commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. We look forward to welcoming another group of new interns and seeing the impact that these talented individuals will make in their respective fields.”
In the 2024/25 Financial Year, the Programme will appoint over 80 young people as interns across its business units. Recent recruitment drives for several internship positions have included, but were not limited to, Operations, Shared Services, Sustainability, Corporate Social Investment, ICT, Research and Strategy, Human Resources, SMME and Human Capital Solutions, amongst others.
Ms. Sibongile Kobedi, Coega’s Talent and Performance Management Specialist, highlighted: “At Coega, we’re passionate about making a meaningful difference in the communities we operate in. Our main goal is to empower these young minds with expertise, mentorship, and networking opportunities that will propel them to greater heights. Through this Programme, we aim to inspire, challenge, and transform our interns, equipping them to become leaders in their fields.”
While the Programme does not guarantee permanent employment for all participants, it provides an opportunity for individuals to refine their skills, demonstrate their capabilities, and establish a presence within a corporate environment. Through this initiative, Coega invests in the development of aspiring professionals while simultaneously enriching the organisation with fresh perspectives and a diverse talent pool.
One of the new interns, Mr. Sifiso Dukashe from Makhanda (Grahamstown), expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “Today, I’ve joined the Coega family as a Human Resources Intern. It is truly a life changing opportunity and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. Being selected from a talented pool of applicants reaffirms my faith in my abilities and validates my perseverance. Thank you to Coega, for believing in me and providing this platform to grow.”
Another intern, Ms. Luyanda Gqadushe from East London, also expressed her excitement, saying: “I’m excited to be part of the Coega Internship Programme and this serves as my first internship opportunity. I look forward to learning from experienced professionals in my field. I am eager to gain practical experience, develop new skills, and contribute to the growth and development of the Eastern Cape region.”
The Programme has significantly impacted skills development, increasing the employability of talented graduates in a competitive job market. By offering comprehensive development, including practical work experience, mentorship, and skills training, the Programme equips interns with the necessary tools for career success.
Coega is committed to youth development and has expanded its footprint to benefit a larger number of young people in the province. Through this initiative, Coega plays a pivotal role in shaping the future workforce and contributing to the region’s economic growth.
