Coega announces training of 102 SMMEs as part of the SMME Development Programme

Coega announces training of 102 SMMEs as part of the SMME Development Programme

Gqeberha, South Africa, 9 November 2022 – The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) is pleased to announce a milestone achievement on the small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMME) training for the first half of the 2022/23 financial year. Over the six-month period (April – September 2022), a total of 102 SMME received training, as part of Coega’s SMME Development Programme, which implements developmental initiatives to grow SMMEs. The Programme has proven very successful since its inception in 2014, having trained over 2,500 SMMEs over the years.

During Quarter 1 and 2 of the current financial year 2022/23, Coega’s SMME training included bespoke new venture training, pricing, and tendering workshops. The New Venture Training module aimed to assist SMMEs with business administration, while Pricing and Tendering Workshops aimed to guide SMMEs on the tendering process, which will assist them to properly prepare and respond to bids/ tenders. The training was project-specific, i.e., covering the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) Programme and the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Zone 10 – Bulk Infrastructure Project.

Coega reaffirms that a strong SMME sector is crucial to achieve the country’s objectives for economic development. The ability of Coega to promote long-term, sustainable corporate growth while simultaneously improving people’s quality of life through the provision of opportunities, forms the basis of the company’s overall strategic plan. Of the 102 individuals that received SMME training, 32 completed the New Venture Skills Programme and 70 completed the Pricing and Tendering Workshops.

In June 2022, the Coega SMME luncheon was hosted at the Bluewater Bay Sunrise Hotel, with an emphasis on acknowledging the quality of SMME growth for the 15 meritorious awardees. Nomphelo Budaza, CDC SMME Co-ordinator stated, “As a Coega employee, I acknowledge the importance of our contribution to SMME development, the essential role it plays in promoting the creation of employment opportunities and strengthening local business.”

One of the Coega SMME beneficiaries, Cynthia Ndika, from Savela Cleaning Services, stated that Coega’s SMME development initiatives have improved the reputation and image of her business. “Coega is a reputable corporation, which motivates my employees to put in the extra effort to meet its standards.” She also praises Coega for giving her a platform as a small business, which has allowed her business to differentiate itself from other cleaning businesses, particularly in the Gqeberha area.

“Working with Coega was a positive experience; service delivery was quick and effective,” according to Britney Charles from Motheo Construction. “We are appreciative to Coega SEZ for the chance to support our growth, which ultimately led to our company receiving an upgrade to a 5pe CIDB grading. The project team and Coega provided excellent and highly competent support.”

Nompilo Dube, whose company provides plumbing services, expressed her gratitude for Coega’s trust in her and for going above and beyond in renewing their company’s contract. “I appreciate the opportunity Coega has provided, and to be introduced to new clients as a result of our collaboration, as well as the ongoing communication with Coega, and the advice provided through the administration learnings.”

Ziyanda Kalani, CDC SMME Training and Development Manager, concludes by saying that training is a crucial component in ensuring that we expand our SMMEs, and that SMMEs that are a part of the CDC SMME Development Programme are well-trained through SETA-accredited interventions as well as on-the-job training when on construction sites.

Earlier this year, Coega announced that it had spent R1,5 billion on SMME procurement spend during the past financial year, ending 31 March 2022, targeting businesses owned by Women, especially Black Woman, Black Youth, and Persons with Disabilities. Coega’s policy is to ensure 33% SMME involvement in all projects; this cuts across the different sectors where Coega operates. The organisation also stated that it offers mentorship opportunities for emerging contractors and entrepreneurs.

Ends…

About Coega:  The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) is headquartered in the City of Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, South Africa, with a strategic operational footprint in South Africa and beyond the borders on the African continent. The CDC’s vision is to be the leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development. This it seeks to achieve through the development and operation of the 9 003-hectare Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a transshipment hub and a leading investment destination in Africa, providing highly skilled competence and capacity for the execution of complex infrastructure and related projects throughout South Africa and selected markets on the African continent, and advisory on the development of industrialization and logistics zones.  The CDC’s advanced capabilities are successful enablers in economic zone development and management, real assets management, infrastructure planning and development, technology integration while realising related socio-economic impact areas such as skills and SMME development. The foundational culture of the CDC’s approach, backed by core values, is innovation and continuous improvement.

Enquiries:

Ms. Leah Moodaley
Acting Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager
Coega Development Corporation (Pty) Ltd
041 403 0767 / 082 898 0385
Leah.Moodaley@coega.co.za 

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: CoegaDevCorp;
Twitter:@CoegaDevCorp;
LinkedIn: Coega Development Corporation;
Instagram: Coega Development Corporation;
and YouTube: CoegaDevCorp