Coega

The Coega Development Corporation (Coega), recently, hosted 17 students from Butterworth’s King Hintsa Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College for work-based training at the well-equipped Coega Skills Development Centre (SDC), in Gqeberha. The completion of the training enables the students to confidently pursue their chosen careers in plumbing, masonry, and carpentry.

The main aim of the training was to provide the students with firsthand experience in a professional workshop environment, enabling them to put the theory they have learnt in the classroom into practice.

Acting Head of the Coega SDC, Mr. David Lambaatjeen, says: “The work-based training for level 4 students was a fantastic opportunity for these students to enhance their skills, gain industry experience, and prepare for successful careers in their chosen field.”

The students had the opportunity to work on practical projects, interact with industry professionals, and gain valuable insights into their chosen field of study. “The programme covered a range of topics and skills relevant to the students’ coursework and was tailored to provide a comprehensive and valuable learning experience,” continues Lambaatjeen.

In line with Coega’s vision to be a leading catalyst for the championing of socioeconomic development, the training visit demonstrated Coega’s leadership and expertise as a vocational training provider. Funding is a key enabler for Coega SDC to execute its training mandate, while companies and entities can enlist the services of the Coega SDC on a fee-for-service basis.

King Hintsa College TVET Student, Ms. Banoxolo Mjikeliso (25), shared her experience of the work-based exposure: “I am grateful that I was part of the workbased training at the Coega Skills Development Centre, to expand my knowledge and gain deeper insights into the industry. My aim was to acquire extensive knowledge and develop a strong sense of pride that will prepare me for the industry, and the expectations that lie ahead.”

Coega is committed to providing quality training and skills development opportunities to young people, and its relationship with the King Hintsa TVET College is one of many initiatives aimed at supporting the next generation of skilled professionals.

As the country concludes its 10th annual Africa Month, the Coega Development Corporation (Coega) reaffirms its commitment to driving economic growth and prosperity in key African markets through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions. By leveraging its Coega Africa Programme (CAP), Coega aims to build a stronger, more connected continent, aligning with the national theme, “Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom: Building a Better Africa and a Better World.”

In line with its Strategic Plan 2020-2025, which goes hand in glove with the advancement of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, Coega has identified the African continent as an avenue to further realise its vision to be the leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development.

“Coega has introduced competitive solutions to replicate its exceptional project delivery and infrastructure expertise in the rest of the continent, with a focus on developing and operating Special Economic Zones and supporting government departments with the roll- out of mega projects,” says Mr. Idriss Mouchili, CAP Director.

Through its flagship CAP, Coega offers technical advisory and co-development partnership in the development of SEZs, industrial parks, dry ports, logistics bases, and public infrastructure in selected markets on the African continent. These projects are critical enablers for African infrastructure development and trade facilitation, supporting the advancement of the AfCFTA agreement.

“We have an arsenal of systems and processes, utilising international best practice in project management and advanced project methodology to create jobs and transform economies. One of Coega’s most advantageous attributes is the capacity to innovate and replicate the success of the South African environment for the greater benefit of Africa,” continues Mouchili.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), encourages cross-border exchanges with the rest of Africa as a key pillar to reconfigure and expand existing SEZs. In alignment with this, Coega has for the past five years focused on establishing operations in various countries, centring on infrastructure development in support of legislative objectives to eliminate barriers to African trade.

“We have leveraged the SEZ Programme as a policy instrument to support the operationalisation of the AfCFTA with specific focus on creating export markets for South African manufactured capital goods and services. This undertaking has since evolved into a mechanism to diversify the revenue generation capacity of the organisation and create jobs and training opportunities in line with Coega’s vision,” shares Mouchili.

With a proven track record in infrastructure implementation and programme management, management of real assets including industrial facilities, and enabling private sector investment over more than two decades, Coega, using ISO certified processes, has delivered mega infrastructure projects effectively within budget, scope, and quality standards, as a Trusted Infrastructure Implementing Agent of Choice in South Africa.

“Coega is committed to continuing its efforts in deepening socio-economic development in Africa through strategic partnerships and innovation and remains dedicated to playing a significant role in the advancement of the AfCFTA agreement and the development of the African continent,” concludes Mouchili.

The Coega Development Corporation’s (Coega) small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMME) Development Programme is, today, proud to report a total SMME procurement spend of over R1,0bn for 2023/24 Financial Year (FY). This achievement equates to 69.42% of the total spend for the year and relates to the overall spend allocated to SMMEs across the organisation’s diverse infrastructure development portfolio, which includes the Department of Health, Department of Education, and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, amongst others.

As a trusted Implementing Agent of Choice in South Africa, Coega is appointed to manage the development of projects for government departments across the country, with a compulsory corporate target of 33% SMME involvement in all infrastructure projects. Specifically for the year, R501,8m was spent on black men-owned SMMEs, R364,5m was spent on black women-owned SMMEs, and over R97,9m was spent on black youth-owned SMMEs.

“Of the R1.0bn achieved for the year, over R400m was reported in the last quarter of the financial year [January to March 2024], which represents 40% of the total SMME procurement spend for the year,” says Coega’s SMME Development Programme
Manager, Ms. Unathi Maholwana.

“We have a strategic outcome which speaks directly to increasing economic opportunities
for the marginalised through, amongst other programmes, advancing the meaningful economic participation and gainful employment of SMMEs,” continues Maholwana. During the FY, Coega also trained a total of 150 SMME beneficiaries across various skills
sets to the value of over R320 000.

Coega SMME Training is a crucial component in ensuring that SMMEs are accredited and prepared for site work.

“Coega’s SMME Development Programme places a strong emphasis on the training and upskilling of beneficiaries. Our training focused mainly on Construction Supervision, NQF level 4, and New Venture Creation, NQF level 2,” adds Maholwana.

In conclusion, the Coega SMME Development Programme facilitates the growth of small to medium sized businesses during the construction process of various infrastructure projects. Coega’s dedicated SMME Development Unit facilitates programmes related to the development and support of SMMEs. Aligned to this, Coega is an organisation committed to transformation and black business development, having recently achieved a Level 1 B-BBEE certificate.

As an empowerment-driven organisation. Coega is conscious of the power of the small business sector in terms of job creation and its contribution to economic development in the province and country. Coega has thus made major headway in creating empowerment opportunities based on Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment, Women Empowerment Ownership, Small Medium Micro Enterprises, and Local Empowerment Participation.

The Coega Development Corporation’s (Coega) Maths and Science Programme (MSP) learners participated in the SA Agulhas II Open Day at the Port of the Port Elizabeth this past weekend. The impressive event, hosted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Transnet, provided a unique opportunity for attendees to acquaint themselves with South Africa’s polar research vessel and learn about career opportunities in the maritime sector.

DFFE Head of Communication, Mr. Peter Mbelengwa, described the event as one of the largest and most well-attended maritime education events in the country: “We are so happy with the outcome, and proud to have had active participation from entities like Coega. The SA Agulhas II is a state-of-the-art Polar Research and Supply vessel that services three research bases in Antarctica, Marion, and Gough Islands. It plays a crucial role in supporting the country’s research. Through this event, DFFE aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the critical role that the marine sector plays in shaping our country’s future, and to encourage learners to pursue related careers.”

During the event, the Coega MSP team showcased MSP achievements and shared information about Coega’s expertise in the maritime sector. Five MSP learners were given an exclusive opportunity to board the SA Agulhas II, gaining exposure that aligns with the MSP’s long-term aim of inspiring learners to pursue careers in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

“Following our successful engagement at the Nelson Mandela University Open Day, we recognised the significance of providing learners with opportunities to explore various fields and interact with professionals in their desired fields,” said Coega’s Corporate Social Investment Manager, Ms. Sylvia Graham.

Coega’s involvement in the event demonstrates the organisation’s vision of being a leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development.

“As part of our commitment to supporting Coega’s CSI programme, which prioritises socio-economic development through education and skills development initiatives, we offered interested learners an opportunity to gain valuable insight into the world of maritime research while interacting with scientists and experiencing the state-of-the-art facilities on board the SA Agulhas II,” continued Graham.

Coega MSP Learner, Olwakhe Sentiwe (18) from Kwazakhele, shared: “I’m grateful to have experienced the SA Agulhas II Open Day. It was truly an eye-opening experience, and I am now more determined to pursue my career in STEM. Thank you to Coega for providing me with this opportunity and for ongoing support throughout our MSP journey.”

“As the Coega MSP learners commence their exams this week, the organisation wishes them the best of luck and we are confident that our programme will continue to make a positive impact on their lives and contribute towards the STEM agenda,” concluded Graham.

Gqeberha, South Africa, 10 May 2024 – The Coega Development Corporation (Coega) is gearing up to exhibit its growing hospitality and travel brands at the Africa Travel Indaba, from the 14th to the 16th of May 2024. The impressive travel and tourism-focused event is set to take place at the Durban International Convention Centre, in KwaZulu-Natal.

Coega Acting Executive Manager of Operations, Mr. Sadick Davids, explains that Coega’s hospitality and travel brands form part of its business diversification strategy: “As an innovative and sustainable public entity, Coega has dedicated significant effort to diversify sources of revenue to attain financial sustainability. In line with our vision to champion socio-economic development, we have developed various service products to complement our core focus of investment promotion, attraction, and infrastructure development. Our hospitality and travel brands are a prime example of this.”

The 4-star graded Bluewater Bay Sunrise Hotel, the 3-star graded Coega Vulindlela Accommodation and Conference Centre and IATA accredited Coega Travel Agency offer travel and accommodation solutions to suit the needs of discerning travellers and event organisers, with the Coega Travel Agency being the latest business to open its offering to the public for leisure and business travel.

“The Coega Vulindlela Accommodation and Conference Centre and the Bluewater Bay Sunrise Hotel have been nominated for an array of tourism and hospitality awards. We are attending the Africa Travel Indaba to let Africa know that we are open for business and ready take clients through our Coega journey and experience, and to serve clients from near and far,” shares Davids.

The Coega Travel Agency is accredited by the International Air Travel Association (IATA) and the Association of South African Travel Agents (ASATA), and offers a 24-hour service for convenience and peace of mind, accommodation and conferencing facilities, flight bookings, car rental at affordable rates and the best value for money, visa assistance and travel insurance to connect you to the world, foreign exchange, pre-flight check-in, and is fully B-BBEE compliant.

The Coega Vulindlela Conference Centre (VACC) stands as a preeminent destination for travellers in search of the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and service. It provides secure and comfortable lodging in a tranquil environment, catering to those who seek a serene atmosphere, rendering it as an ideal refuge for individuals, government entities, and corporate entities, a short distance away from the urban hustle and bustle but close to industrial activity in the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Coega VACC also provides superb communal short-term accommodation for non-local employees of businesses operating within the Coega SEZ and surrounds, as well as recreational amenities, including a soccer field, tennis court, squash court, and netball facilities. Furthermore, the versatile venue boasts conference facilities with the capacity to host up to 1000 delegates, rendering it the ideal choice for large-scale events.

Coega Vulindlela Conference Centre has the capacity to host up to 1000 delegates.

Having recently celebrated three years of success, the 4-star Bluewater Bay Sunrise Hotel is renowned for its breath-taking ocean views, crisp décor, opulent interiors, decadent food, and impeccable customer service. Featuring 58 meticulously designed rooms, an elegant dining experience with a full-service restaurant, state-of-the-art fitness centre, refreshing outdoor pool and top-notch conferencing facilities, the hotel offers competitive rates and seasonal promotions.

“We are proud to showcase Coega’s hospitality and travel brands alongside other successful businesses in Africa. We are committed to maintaining world-class service standards across the board and look forward to meeting future clients and guests,” continues Davids.

On Tuesday, 23 April 2024, the Coega Development Corporation (Coega) joined the Eastern Cape Premier, Honourable Oscar Lubabalo Mabuyane, and the Executive Mayor of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Her Worship, Princess Faku, for the official handover of the R70 million Sophatisana Senior Secondary School (SSS) in Reeston, in the Eastern Cape Province.

Sophatisana SSS, located in East London, falls under the Eastern Cape Province Department’s School Building Programme, and underscores Coega’s commitment to deepen state capacity in infrastructure development and advancing educational infrastructure within the Eastern Cape and beyond.

The Eastern Cape Premier, Honourable Oscar Lubabalo Mabuyane, described the occasion as one of great significance for the community: ““This state-of-the-art institution stands as a beacon of our commitment to education and a testament to our strides as a province in nurturing young minds and fostering an environment conducive to learning and development. This school is not just a building but a promise to our children and future generations—a promise of access to quality education and endless possibilities.”

Coega serves as a Trusted Implementing Agent (IA) of Choice on an assortment of school infrastructure development projects, including new schools, improvements, and additions to existing schools, as well as repairs and renovations to various schools in line with its vision of being a leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development, in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development (SDG) Goal 4, the National Development Plan Vision 2030 and the National Infrastructure Plan 2050.

The completed project encompasses a comprehensive array of facilities, including an administration block, staff ablution facilities, 25 classrooms, and specialist classrooms including three multipurpose centres and a science laboratory. In addition, the project comprised a safe room, staff room, sick room, paving, security fencing, new furniture, and 11 temporary mobile classrooms.

Coega Project Manager for the Department of Education Portfolio, Mr. Siyabulela Ntanta shared Coega’s role as IA on infrastructure projects: “As an Implementing Agent of Choice, Coega understands that these projects have a profound impact on the socio- economic development of communities. Through construction, jobs are created, and once the project is handed over, communities are uplifted. Education is the key to employability, and enabling infrastructure improves the quality of education.”

In terms of socio-economic impact and job creation, 17 small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) participated in the Sophatisana SSS Project, with a total SMME procurement spend of R15,8m. Close to 70 work opportunities for both skilled and semi- skilled workers were provided by virtue of the project, as well as various training opportunities.

The opening of Sophatisana SSS marks a significant milestone in Coega’s ongoing collaboration with the Eastern Cape Department of Education. By providing state-of-the- art educational facilities, Coega continues to play a pivotal role in driving socio-economic development and building a more prosperous future for South Africa, enriching the lives of learners, and contributing to the broader landscape of access to quality education. In so doing, governance and accountability is important.

The Auditor-General of South Africa issued a “clean audit” to Coega for the last four (4) consecutive years, demonstrating good governance, compliance, and strong leadership in supply chain management. In 2020, Coega was identified in the South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) as one of the IA’s to be designated for certain key national projects and to further strengthen state capacity for infrastructure expansion, nationally.