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Coega and Swartkops SAPS Partnership

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As part of ongoing commitments to promote safety and security in and around the Coega Special Economic Zone, the Coega Development Corporation, last week, signed a Memorandum and Understanding (MoU) with the South African Police Service (SAPS Swartkops) at the Coega Business Centre in Gqeberha.

The ceremony included the launch of the SAPS Swartkops Excellence Awards, whereby SAPS officers were recognised for their contribution to the fight against crime across the precinct. “We want to foster and enhance our relationship with external role players. Let’s make sure the people in our precinct are served professionally. We cannot work alone. We need to work together. We support our partnership with Coega,” said SAPS Lieutenant Colonel John Perils.

Coega Security Manager, Mr. Neville Andrew, explained the value of effective collaboration between stakeholders in the security space, “This is an important occasion whereby we are strengthening the partnership between the SAPS, the Community Policing Forum and the Coega Security Command and Control Centre. This creates a security-positive environment built on transparency and trust in how we engage. A crime- free SEZ builds confidence amongst the business community.”

Safety and security are fundamental aspects in the design, construction, and operation of an SEZ, in relation to Sustainable Development Goal 11 in which safety, resilience and sustainable development is emphasised. “Our approach to reducing crime or security incidents through the strategic design of the built environment typically employs organisational, mechanical, and natural methods to control access, enhance natural surveillance and territoriality, and support legitimate activity,” added Andrew.

The security of Coega’s people, assets, and operations is critical to the very success and sustainability of the SEZ and its ability to achieve its strategy, providing a sustainable growth platform through its investments in high growth emerging markets. The SEZ is ISO certified in quality, health, and safety, environmental, as well as integrated ICT management systems, with its Command and Control Centre housed within the organisation’s Operations Business Unit.

Head of Operations, Mr. Sadick Davids, expressed a message of support on behalf of the organisation, “Coega plays a critical role in relation to the economy; an economy that serves its communities. A community consists of various role players, including safety and security stakeholders. We can only achieve higher levels of sustainable business success with the support of the law enforcement community, business, and policing forums.”

A safe trading environment is important for industrialisation and boosting investor confidence. The plants, equipment and property located within SEZ precincts continue to be safer than most for numerous reasons, namely, close collaboration with law enforcement and controlled access to zones.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.