/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

THE Coega Development Corporation (CDC) today joins
millions of South Africans to commemorate Africa Day, a day celebrated by
many African countries, marking the 52nd anniversary of the founding
Organization of African Unity (OAU) which later was named the African
Union (AU).

³This day seeks to encourage us to celebrate that which is unique to us:
being AFRICAN. It reminds us of the many achievements our continent has
attained post-colonial era. Equally, it forces us to reflect on the many
challenges that still lie ahead,² said Dr Ayanda Vilakazi, CDC unit head
marketing and communications.

The CDC has, in its 16 years of existence, played a pivotal role in the
socio-economic development of the country and that of the continent at
large. The organisation has consistently positioned Africa as an
investment destination ready to do business with foreign and local
investors.

The CDC has promoted ideals of good governance and provided a mature and
competitive investment environment, noting an upward trajectory in
investment attraction and confidence over the past couple of years. Coega
has played an integral part in service delivery at local and national
government, diversifying its service offering by being an implementing
agent for various government departments.

³Our initial strategy on investment promotion focused on the anchor
client approach. This we¹ve managed to reinvigorate over time and have
adopted a multifaceted approach through differentiated sector offering,²
said Christopher Mashigo, CDC business development executive manager.

³The introduction of new sectors has seen several investors flocking to
the IDZ. Just in the past Financial Year (FY) 2014/15, we¹ve managed to
sign 19 investors with a combined value of R1.85 billion and in the FY
2013/14 we achieved a first in the continent by signing 10 new investors
with a combined value of R1.8 billion,² added Mashigo.

The Coega IDZ has remained the gateway to Africa, with linkages to the
rest of the continent. CDC¹s offering of world-class infrastructure and
purpose-built manufacturing has contributed immensely to the African
economy.

Just recently ­ 6 May 2015 - First Automotive Works (FAW) Chief Executive
Yusheng Zhang was reported saying, ²FAW¹s existing plant at the Coega has
allowed the company access to southern Africa, which had been a challenge
before².

The CDC is conscious of its existence in the context of a developing
continent. It continues to carve its way by actively participating and
influencing a new narrative - that Africa is not a dark continent, but
rather one pregnant with possibilities. The CDC understands the world
through global eyes as well as the soul of Africa and has long come to
the realisation that everyone in this continent has a role to play in the
post-colonial era.

The organisation¹s contribution to skills development and training has
seen it having trained over 71 445 people since inception and contributed
96 776 direct jobs to the South African economy since inception.

³As an organisation we had long decided that where unity is the
foundation for a collective approach, we will partake in contributing
towards the embetterment of all Africans,² added Dr Vilakazi.

Issued by COEGA