THE Coega Development Corporation (CDC) walked away with the Investor of the Year Award, at the 6th Annual SA Premier Business Awards.
“We are delighted to have won such a prestigious award. It’s a validation of the hard work we put in consistently to attract and retain investors at the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ),” said Dr. Ayanda Vilakazi, CDC unit head brand, marketing and communications.
The category won by the CDC seeks to encourage the expansion of investment into the South African economy. It recognises efforts and commitments by local and global companies to create jobs and stimulate the economy through investment across all industry.
Vilikazi said that since its inception in 1999, the CDC – a state-owned company and infrastructure development and facilities management agency – had created 112 974 jobs. In the 2017/18 financial year, and including the year to date as at February 2019, the corporation had created a total of 19 402 jobs.
“The SEZ’s strategic location and adjacency to the deep-water Port of Ngqura has seen it become a springboard to investors looking to explore the greater African market. Our location is unique; it provides an opportunity for potential investors to penetrate the African market.”
Vilakazi said the SEZ serves as a one-stop shop for all things export-related, currently boasting 43 operational investors – both local and international. Over 80% of these companies have seen an increase in their productivity and profits since starting operations in the zone, with the benefits being felt throughout the Eastern Cape and in areas where the CDC is operating.