The Coega Development Corporation (Coega) hosted a group of Maritime Management Masters students and faculty members from the Nelson Mandela University Business School (NMU Business School) for a comprehensive tour of the 9003-hectare Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) on Wednesday, 24 July 2024. The purpose of the tour was to offer students firsthand insight into the diverse array of industries thriving within the SEZ, spanning automotive, agroprocessing, energy, and logistics sectors, as highlighted by Dr. Ayanda Vilakazi, Coega’s Unit Head of Marketing, Brand, and Communication.
Dr. Nomtha Hadi, NMU Lecturer and Master of Maritime Management Coordinator, elaborated on the objectives of the visit, stating, “Our goal was to gain a holistic understanding of the Coega SEZ, its role in driving economic growth, particularly in the maritime sector. Additionally, we aimed to delve into the progress made in attracting investments and positioning South Africa and the SEZ as a pivotal investment and logistics hub. Lastly, we sought to identify challenges encountered by the port and the SEZ, pinpoint potential research opportunities, and foster collaboration between our masters students, their affiliated organisations, and the Coega SEZ.”
With a keen focus on economic prospects within the maritime industry, Coega has been actively pursuing opportunities for development, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and growth within the sector.
NMU Maritime Masters student, Siyasanda Mdakane shared her perspective on the visit: “The visit to the Coega SEZ was incredibly refreshing, and it was amazing to witness how the economy is being unlocked by this institution. It was fascinating to see how the SEZ is a strong pillar of the maritime industry, especially with its close proximity to the Nelson Mandela Bay Ports. One of my key interests was understanding how the different companies operating in the Coega SEZ are addressing the high rate of unemployment locally, and it was reassuring to hear that a high percentage of the companies are employing locally.”
By providing students with the opportunity to visit Coega SEZ and learn about various industries, the initiative aligns well with Mandela’s vision of equal access to quality education for all, while also contributing to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Dr. Hadi, expressing her sincere gratitude, shared: “The visit exceeded our expectations, and students found these visits incredibly insightful as they provided a broader understanding of the intelligence underpinning Coega’s strategic projects and its social responsibility, not only towards SMME development but also in training and skills development.
The visit also addressed issues around sustainability, demonstrating Coega’s commitment to sustainable development and the social and economic transformation achieved through the SEZ. The visit proved highly beneficial for our postgraduates, offering invaluable exposure, and I am particularly pleased with the warm welcome.”
Coega remains committed to creating jobs, developing skills, and empowering students to thrive in a dynamic world by providing unparalleled opportunities to expand their knowledge and enable them to make informed career choices. As a leading SEZ in Africa, Coega is dedicated to continuous learning, sustainable development, innovation and inspiring the next generation of changemakers to shape a better future,” concluded Dr. Vilakazi.
