The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) is a state-owned enterprise (SoE) located in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, adjacent to the Deepwater Port of Ngqura and 15 minutes away from the Port of Port Elizabeth and the bustling NMB Metro. The CDC is mandated to develop and operate the 9003 ha Coega SEZ (“Coega SEZ”). The Strategic Goals of the CDC are as follows: (1) Preferred Investment Destination; (2) Financial Sustainability and Growth; and (3) Advance Socio-Economic Development. Through advancing the socio-economic development, which is in line with the CDC’s vision of being a catalysts for championing of the socio-economic development, the Internship Programme was established to provide opportunities to unemployed young graduates.

Internship Programme

The CDC established the flagship internship programme with the aim of providing the platform for experiential learning opportunities to unemployed graduates and students in specific study disciplines - who are required to complete practical work in order to obtain a qualification. The Coega Internship Programme, which forms part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives, has grown from strength to strength and plays an important role in the early career development of many young Professionals. Hundreds of graduates have gone through the programme since its establishment, most of whom have gone on to become influential and successful business people who are making significant contribution to the economy of South Africa.