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First two scholar candidates set off to Germany

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On the evening of 24 August 2022, the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) celebrated its inaugural Coega Global Scholars Programme (CGSP) candidates. From over 200 applications received, 10 applicants made it through the rigorous CGSP selection process. Of the 10, Ms. Sibusisiwe Tau and Mr. Reitumetse Mosikili succeeded in getting accepted at their institutions of choice to pursue their postgraduate qualifications in Germany.

Launched in 2021, the CGSP is a talent identification and retention programme aimed at developing the next generation of leadership for the CDC by training current and prospective talent at postgraduate level. The programme is in line with the CDC’s vision to be the leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development. Selected candidates are enrolled at top tier global universities specialising in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and related interdisciplinary studies.

CDC Scholars
Left to right: CDC Performance Monitoring Officer Ms. Ntombozuko Mbuzwana, CDC CEO Mr. Khwezi Tiya, Coega Global Scholars Programme (CGSP) candidate Mr. Reitumetse Mosikili, CDC Unit Head Human Resources Management Ms. Zola Ngoma, CGSP candidate Ms. Sibusisiwe Tau, and CDC Board Member and Chairperson of the CDC Human Resources and Remuneration Committee, Ms. Nomonde Mtembu

Ms. Sibusisiwe Tau, an Electrical Engineer, will be attending the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology to pursue her Master’s degree in Energy Engineering and Management. Mr. Reitumetse Mosikili, a Town and Regional Planner, will be attending the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences to pursue his Master’s degree in Urban Agglomerations (highly developed spatial forms of integrated cities). The two institutions are ranked amongst top universities globally and in the region, respectively.

The CGSP aims to progressively build a valuable, unique, and fresh talent pool that will enable the realisation of a sustainable competitive advantage and create stakeholder value for the CDC. The programme also seeks to expose current and prospective CDC employees to the global environment in which they will compete.

“The programme is designed to ensure sustainable gender representation and organisational transformation. The CDC’s target is 30 candidates over a five-year period, and thus the two candidates represent a start, from which we have also drawn critical lessons,” explained CDC Unit Head of Human Resources Management, Ms. Zola Ngoma.

“You should never be comfortable with where you are; you should always be looking to push boundaries. It’s up to the two of us as candidates to make sure this programme continues. One day I’d like to form part of this [CDC] team that has done a lot to create employment opportunities,” shared Reitumetse.

CDC Executive Manager: Corporate Services, Ms. Mokgaetši Sebothoma, expressed her confidence in the two candidates: “We are sending you out with the belief that you will excel, and we look forward to having you back. The world is shifting in a very significant way from a knowledge base point of view. Applied knowledge is power. We are developing people to bring skills and specialised knowledge back into the country to make an impact.”

“I promise to make you all proud,” said candidate Ms. Sibusisiwe Tau, who relayed her rural upbringing and personal goal to contribute to the future of energy generation in the country. CDC Board Member and Chairperson of the CDC Human Resources and Remuneration Committee, Ms. Nomonde Mtembu, explained that the CGSP still has much work ahead. “Many are called, but few are chosen. You are the chosen few. You are not only doing this for yourself and your family, but you are also doing it for the CDC. Excel so that we can extend this opportunity to generations to come.”

Concluding the proceedings of the evening, CDC CEO Mr. Khwezi Tiya, who conceptualised the Programme with the support of Executive Management and the CDC Board, said: “Remember that winners are those who never quit.” He explained that the realisation of this programme and the selection of candidates bear testament to the collective capacity of the CDC to achieve an outcome. “This programme is the product of our understanding of how broad exposure including studying abroad can be transformational. When the candidates return, they are going to propel this institution to unimaginable levels in terms of competitiveness and capability, working with the existing talent that we already have, and ensuring the realisation of our ambitious vision.”

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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.