On Friday 9 August 2024, the Coega Development Corporation (Coega) partnered with the Eastern Cape Provincial Government to commemorate and celebrate Women\u2019s Day 2024 at the Misgund Primary School sports ground in Koukamma Municipality. Under the leadership of the Eastern Cape Premier, Honourable Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, and the MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) Honourable Nonkqubela Pieters, the occasion was centered on advancing gender equality and economic empowerment in line with the theme: “Count her in: Accelerating Gender Equality through Economic Development,” says Dr. Ayanda Vilakazi, Coega\u2019s Head of Marketing, Brand and Communications.<\/p>\n
The Honourable Premier Mabuyane emphasised the reason behind this Women\u2019s Day commemoration: \u201cWomen are the pillars of our communities, playing vital roles in nurturing families, driving businesses, leading in government, and spearheading community initiatives. Today, we pay homage to the trailblazers who have paved the way for progress and to those who continue to advocate for equality, justice, and peace.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event was a showcase and exhibition of the respective Eastern Cape Government initiatives aimed at empowering women across key economic sectors, which provide valuable resources and support to help drive women\u2019s success in small, medium and micro enterprise (SMME) and entrepreneurship, amongst others.<\/p>\n
Coega, as a state entity, took part in the commemoration and celebration by showcasing its Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprise (SMME) Development Programme, providing training and mentorship opportunities for entrepreneurs in the construction sector, in line with its vision of being a leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development. Coega continues to foster a supportive environment for women- and youthowned small enterprises through its SMME Development Programme.<\/p>\n
During the 2023\/24 Financial Year (FY), Coega achieved R1,027 billion in SMME procurement spend, with over R460m allocated to black women- and youth-owned SMMEs to promote sustainable economic participation. Notably, this amounted to a total spend achievement of 69.41% on SMME procurement expenditure, of which 36% was on women-owned businesses (R364,587m). Macroeconomic and social policy advocacy is crucial for the achievement of women\u2019s empowerment and gender equality; and working together with other public and private sector partners can deliver results for women.<\/p>\n
Coega\u2019s SMME Development Programme is dedicated to empowering women through equitable opportunities and fostering an inclusive environment for women, particularly in the construction sector. Coega SMME Development Programme Mentor, Mr. Simphiwe Ntlanti, highlighted Coega\u2019s dedication to women empowerment, particularly in the realm of small business. “Our participation in today’s event allowed us to gain valuable insights into the challenges faced by local women. This knowledge will inform our efforts to drive positive change within the community,\u201d said Ntlanti.<\/p>\n
As the leading advocate for gender parity and women empowerment, Coega was recognised as the 1st Runner up at the 2022 Standard Bank Top Women Awards in the Category Top Gender-Empowered Organisation: Resources, Construction, and Infrastructure Development. Coega was also recognised as 2nd Runner up in the Category Top Gender-Empowered Organisation: Skills Development. This is a welcomed industry acknowledgement of the work Coega is doing to champion women development.<\/p>\n