The Coega Development Corporation (Coega) is proud to announce that the organisation received the Community Builder of the Year Award at the 20th annual Black Business Quarterly (BBQ) Awards Ceremony, which took place at the Emperor’s Palace in Kempton Park on Friday, 26 July 2024. The Award was received by Coega Board Members, Ms. Ziyanda Potelwa and Mr. Sibusiso Nduna, demonstrating the importance of the award category in alignment with Coega’s socioeconomic development focus.
The BBQ Community Builder Award category recognises an organisation’s commitment to community development through innovation, creativity, integrity, a proven record of achievement, and leadership. Coega’s recognition as the winner in this category emphasises the Corporation’s commitment to community development through job creation, skills and training, and social infrastructure development, amongst others. For the past 19 years, the BBQ Awards have celebrated exceptional businesses that are driving positive change in South Africa. The Awards encourage and promote sustainable black business and transformation through the recognition of good corporate governance, leadership, and achievement.
Dr. Ayanda Vilakazi, Coega’s Unit Head of Marketing, Brand and Communication said: “We are honoured to be recognised for creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for all. This award serves as a powerful testament to Coega’s achievements. I have no doubt that it will encourage our employees and stakeholders to support Coega’s vision to be a leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development in line with the National Development Plan, Vision 2030.
“This recognition underscores Coega’s 25 years of unwavering commitment to driving positive change and fostering sustainable growth. In the last financial year alone, subject to final audited results by the Auditor-General of South Africa, Coega created 10,154 cumulative operational jobs and 4,126 construction jobs, trained 4,374 people, and directed R1,027bn in procurement spend to small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) which amounted to 69,41%,” concluded Dr. Vilakazi.
