Gqeberha, South Africa, 04 December 2024 – The Coega Development Corporation (Coega) hosted its 2024 local roadshow at the Coega Vulindlela Accommodation and Conference Centre (VACC), in Gqeberha today. The “Transform Your Community, Transform Your Life” themed event brought together 200 participants, inspiring them to unlock the potential and value of Coega-led projects and opportunities.
Mr. Andile April, Coega’s Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager, remarked on the success of the local stakeholder roadshow.
“It was a valuable opportunity to connect with our stakeholders, local communities and business owners, to discuss exciting development opportunities underway at Coega. We look forward to building on these strong relationships and continuing to drive growth and innovation in the region with the communities we serve,” said April.
Registered attendees, comprising the business fraternity, local community members and key stakeholders gained valuable insights into the Coega SEZ’s investment promotion strategies, infrastructure development opportunities, supply chain and B-BBEE processes, SMME development and support programmes, skills training initiatives, catalytic corporate social investment projects, and labour recruitment procedures.
Several major projects were showcased in terms of SMME procurement spend, labour absorption within the SEZ, skills development opportunities and infrastructure projects being implemented, including the Coega Return Effluent Scheme, Stellantis Manufacturing Plant, Bulk Sewer Project, and various public infrastructure projects for fencing and facilities.
Local Gqeberha businessman, Mr. Arthur Dayimani, described his experience at the Coega Stakeholder Roadshow as informative. “The session was quite informative. From the information received, businesspeople have a better idea of how to do business with Coega. We hope the issues we’ve raised will assist Coega in helping us grow our businesses. We look forward to sessions like this in the future,” shared Dayimani.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Councillor, Mr. Bubele Matenjwa, concluded with sentiments about the importance of local stakeholder engagements in the broader scheme of sustainable socio-economic development.
“We appreciate Coega for hosting this stakeholder engagement. When the President announced that we are establishing special economic zones, Coega was mandated to attract investment. However, they also execute the additional responsibility of skills and SMME development to benefit local communities. The feedback that we as government receive from engagements like this improves our ability to better address challenges and leverage opportunities within local communities. Thank you to everyone who has participated today,” said Cllr. Matenjwa.
Coega is committed to engaging with stakeholders to ensure the success and sustainability of projects and initiatives in line with its vision to be the leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development.
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Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is a beautiful city located on the coast in the Eastern Cape Province and is known as the “Friendly City”, with other towns in this district including Kariega (Uitenage) and Despatch. Forming part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Gqeberha has stunning beaches, historical museums and memorials, award-winning wildlife sanctuaries and super friendly people, making it a spectacular holiday destination.
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