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The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) has made a remarkable impact across the country as an infrastructure implementing agent of choice. For example, in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), where practical completion of the Mgai Primary School project in Umzinto Local Municipality has been reached. Other notable projects in the province include the Anton Lembede Maths, Science and Technology Academy, and the Pholela Special School for Learners with Special Educational Needs, says Akash Singh, CDC’s Programme Director (Acting).

The Mgai Primary School project site was handed over on 20 January 2020 to the CDC, with initial construction works completed on 20 May 2021 and revised works completed on 30 June 2022 owing to delays caused by the COVID-19 national lockdown.  

Sphindile Ngcongo, Mgai Primary School Project Manager, explains that the R 51 million project comprised of “sixteen new classrooms, a computer room, a multi-purpose classroom, a guard house, a School Nutrition Programme kitchen, sports facilities, ablution facilities for boys and girls, parking bays, and an assembly area.” Electrical upgrades, stormwater drainage, area demarcation, as well as borehole and fire water supply were also undertaken. 

In terms of job creation and SMME development, the project created 72 employment opportunities (61 men and 11 women). A total of 46 youth benefited during the 15-month long project. Twenty SMMEs were employed as subcontractors to complete the project, bearing testament to the good work of the CDC's SMME Development Unit.  The Unit spent R1,5bn on SMMEs last year, of which R1,3bn was on black-owned SMMEs, adds Unathi Maholwana, CDC’s Programme Manager, SMME Development Unit.

The CDC has been providing services to the province for the past 12 years, and it continues to serve a prominent role in the KZN Department of Education's school construction programme. Through its extensive project portfolio across the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and KZN, the CDC is asserting its position as one of the country’s leading infrastructure development agencies.

This advancement enables the CDC to enhance the scope of services it offers. It also permits the organisation to keep working toward attaining its objectives of socio-economic development and national growth. 

The CDC continues to play a significant role in addressing skill shortages, unemployment, limited planning and project management capabilities, and inefficiencies that have long characterised the provision of infrastructure in South Africa.

The CDC pledges to consistently put its extensive experience and knowledge to good use. “The CDC strives to do an excellent job managing various mega complex infrastructure projects to support and champion socio-economic development throughout the country,” concludes Ngcongo.

Issued by The Coega Development Corporation