Coega Development Corporation (CDC), a national public entity that develops and operates the Coega Special Economic Zone in Port Elizabeth “can help the country’s economic development in the face of the covid-19 pandemic through its 21-year expertise in implementing and fast-tracking government’s mega infrastructure programmes throughout the country,” says Dr. Ayanda Vilakazi (PhD), CDC’s Unit Head of Marketing, Brand and Communications.

Moreover, Coega as a government asset, is a symbol of success, and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s (the dtic’s) pride and joy in terms of the SEZ programme. It is arguably the most successful Special Economic Zone and infrastructure development public entity in South Africa. It has won numerous prestigious awards, i.e., the 2019 Investor of the year award by the dtic, Proudly South African and Brand South Africa, amongst others. “The SEZ programme is one of the strategic tools for industrialisation, promotion of investments and exports, as well as creation of the much-needed jobs, especially for the youth.

Read more in their comprehensive newsletter below.

Community Chest’s GAYE (Give As You Earn) programme is designed to allow corporates/ companies to donate to Community Chest of the Eastern Cape on a monthly basis so that they are able to continue the good work they do in our community.

This can be done by way of a collective effort by staff to donate in their personal capacity or by the company on behalf of their staff. The alternative is for individuals to go onto our website www.cchestpe.org.za and follow the prompts by clicking on the donate button.

All the work done from the contributions will be shared in their quarterly newsletter – read below the latest edition. 

If there is any further info you require then please do not hesitate to contact Selwyn Willis at 082 966 3446 / selwynw@cchestpe.org.za OR Colette Theron at colettep@cchestpe.org.za. 

Latest news from Volkswagen Group South Africa:

Sanitiser handover: Through its Community Trust, Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) recently donated 3 tons of hand sanitiser, sourced from an external provider, to 25 local non-profit organisations. Some of the beneficiaries included the Rape Crisis Centre and Uviwe Child and Youth Services. From left is Nocawa Sinam (Rape Crisis Centre), Keescha Burchell (Uviwe), Vernon Naidoo (VWSA), Nkosinathi Clay (VWSA) and Amy Fortuin (Uviwe).

MEC: VWSA’s Chairman and Managing Director, Dr Robert Cisek (second from left) recently hosted the Eastern Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism Mlungisi Mvoko (second from right) at the VWSA plant in Kariega.

Mayor 1: The Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, Councillor Nqaba Bhanga, also visited VWSA. Here he is during a tour of the company’s Wellness Centre with VWSA Chairman and Managing Director Dr Robert Cisek and VWSA Company Doctor, Dr Fikiswa Ngonyama.

Mayor 2: Executive Mayor Nqaba Bhanga and VWSA Chairman and MD Dr Robert Cisek.

End of February 2021 saw the launch of the new SOGA Organic Orange Rocket Multipack. See pictures below.

Summer is the perfect time for a refreshing SOGA Organic ORANGE ROCKET® – packed with Vitamin C!

Besides the Single unit 100ml Frozen Orange Rocket, you can now order the new Multipack with 10 x 100ml Orange Rockets per pack.  The same unique product, now available in single units AND Multipacks –  ideal for customers looking to buy several units at a time.

SOGA Organic is proud to grow, produce and package the first and only Certified Organic Citrus juice products in South Africa. Visit us at www.sogaorganic.co.za/retail or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Have you watched our SOGA Story yet?

Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) has recently issued an Enterprise Development grant of close to half a million Rand for the localisation of an extended reach aerial platform – also known as a cherry picker – in South Africa.

The SLT 180 telescopic aerial platform will be developed and manufactured locally by Isuzu business partner Smith Capital Equipment (SCE) to reach heights of 16 to 18 metres, which previously could only be achieved with imported platforms. Currently SCE locally designs and manufactures the following ranges of aerial platforms: telescopic (T100, T120, T140) and articulated (9SS, SL125, 12SS, 15SS, 21SS).

SCE, which is head-quartered in Gauteng, is an 84% majority black-owned and 56% majority black woman-owned company specialising in aerial platforms, drilling rigs and importation and installation of FASSI cranes.

Set to meet the highest international design standards, the first engineering prototype of the SLT 180 manufactured in South Africa is expected to be completed by the end of 2021, said Fortunate Mdanda, Chief Executive Officer of SCE.

“Safety is of paramount importance when designing such a structure therefore caution needs to be observed. With the growing preference for telescoping aerial units over articulating units, the SLT 180 will be the first locally manufactured telescoping unit able to reach heights beyond 16 metres, therefore it presents great market opportunities,” said Mdanda.

She added that the new venture which is supported by Isuzu with an investment of R485 000, will allow SCE to upskill the development capabilities of the company and its labour force.

“The development of this new product will help with job retention as it poses new market possibilities likely to expand the company product range and consequently cultivate internal skills development,” said Mdanda.

Dominic Rimmer, Senior Vice President of Technical Operations at Isuzu Motors South Africa, said this Enterprise Development grant aligns not only with Isuzu’s transformation values, but also government’s call for localisation and enterprise development partnerships in the automotive sector.

The SLT 180 will typically fit on an Isuzu truck, and is set to provide state-of-the-art truck body solutions for Isuzu customers in a range of industries.

SCE is no stranger to Isuzu, as it is a subsidiary of Isipho Capital Holdings. In 2019 Isipho Capital Holdings made history with the purchase of Bates Shelly Beach, as the first Isuzu dealership to be 100% black-owned, in addition to being 65% woman-owned.

Isipho Capital Holdings is run by Mdanda, and her husband, Sipho. The power couple are at the forefront of South Africa’s new wave of Black industrialists.

“Isuzu is committed to transformation and continues to drive a culture of inclusivity. If we do not empower our value chain, the economy cannot grow. We therefore ensure that we support supplier and dealer transformation initiatives, as well as the deepening of the local value chain through enterprise development initiatives such as this partnership with SCE,” said Rimmer.

Caption:

An extended reach aerial platform, which will reach heights of 16 to 18 metres, will be locally produced by Isuzu Enterprise Development Partner, Smith Capital Equipment (SCE).

Contact:

Iviwe Poti, Corporate Communications Officer

Phone: +27 (0) 41 403 3046 iviwe.poti@isuzu.co.za

About Isuzu Motors South Africa

Isuzu Motors South Africa is a wholly owned subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited of Japan. Isuzu has had a presence in South Africa since 1964, when the first commercial vehicles entered the market, which was soon followed by the introduction of light commercial vehicles in 1972. The brand’s popularity grew and resulted in local production of light commercial vehicles in 1978.  Today, Isuzu remains one of South Africa’s leading commercial vehicle brands and has become renowned for its durability and reliability. For more information on Isuzu products visit www.isuzu.co.za.

As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to take its toll on businesses and the economy at large, Standard Bank remains committed to finding new ways to keep South African businesses going during this critical time.

The Standard Bank Trade Department offers business owners a comprehensive bundle of solutions for business growth.

“Enabling businesses that align with our vision contributes to the growth of our economy and, in turn, the growth of our continent. Regardless of the economic climate, the backbone of businesses that thrive has always been their ability to navigate the ever-changing trade landscape,” said Leigh-Anne de Witt, Head, Client Coverage, Business Clients, Eastern Cape.

Standard Bank Trade clients are introduced to vetted buyers and suppliers around the world.

“Trust in your suppliers and buyers is critical, so we will introduce you to pre-vetted, reputable, reliable and trusted sellers and buyers both locally and internationally. We have a sophisticated algorithm that will match you with relevant businesses that you can connect with to help your business grow,” Leigh-Anne added.

The platform also provides clients with financial products that help expand their business and mitigate risks. The Standard Bank Trade solution products help by extending cashflow cycle with supply chain finance, facilitating outstanding payments with documentary trade products and navigating international payments.

Standard Bank also partners with clients end-to-end, working with them throughout their trade journey to manage all their banking and logistics needs through a single point of contact. An Executive Trade Partner will proactively ensure that goods arrive on time, in the condition ordered and at the expected price.

By partnering with other experienced players in the trade value chain, Standard Bank has developed tools that calculate comprehensive costings for every unit purchased, while generating predictive timelines for every import.

Leigh-Anne de Witt concluded, “As your trade partner, we are dedicated to helping you and we are all about creating endless possibilities for you and your business”.

For all your trade enquiries please call Loyiso Nyengule on 082 794 1524  or email him at Loyiso.Nyengule@standardbank.co.za.