The Coega Development Corporation (Coega), this week, proudly hosted educators from Makhanda, Graaff-Reinet and Humansdorp for an educational excursion to the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ)
The visit coincided with the inclusion of the Coega SEZ in the 2026 Grade 12 geography syllabus, bridging the gap between textbook theory and real-world industrial practice.
Ms. Vuyokazi Kalimashe, Deputy Chief Education Specialist and Geography Subject Advisor for the Sarah Baartman District in the Eastern Cape, highlighted the significance of the visit: “The main reason we are here is because this area is one of the four industrial regions examined in the Grade 12 geography syllabus at the end of the year.
I decided to bring my teachers here to see exactly what is happening on the ground so they can take that knowledge back to their classrooms.
A few of the teachers are already interested in returning with their learners so the students can see firsthand how these industrial regions operate,” said Kalimashe.
Coega Business Development Officer, Mr. Bonani Matshaya, explained that the visit provided an overview of Coega’s developmental mandate and focused on a range of aspects including spatial development, socio-economic impact, logistics networks and operational investors.
“Educators were interested in learning about the SEZ clustering strategy as well as the factors that determine how areas in the SEZ are zoned,” shared Matshaya.
Ms. Candace Louw-Arnolds, Educator at Hendrik Kanise Combined School in Alicedale, explained that the curriculum content focuses specifically on the Gqeberha/Kariega area as an industrial region in South Africa.
“In our curriculum, we have a couple of Industrial Development Zones and Spatial Development Initiatives that we rotate annually.
For instance, last year it was the Maputo 2 Media Release – CDC/CEO-MR-001-2026 Corridor.
This year, we are specifically covering the Coega SEZ.
We are gaining firsthand experience of what the SEZ encompasses, what it entails, the industries located here, and all the different economic activities taking place.
I have to say, it is mind-blowing.
Normally, when we travel to Gqeberha, we just pass by this area.
I had no idea it was this vast,” continued Arnolds.
Attending educators agreed that the direct exposure provides the in-depth knowledge and background information needed to confidently address learners’ questions.
Mr. David Stoloff, from Victoria High School in Makhanda shared similar sentiments: “I was invited on this trip by our subject advisor.
It’s a three-day excursion where we are visiting various places to look at industries and sites that are directly related to our curriculum.
It’s been wonderful.
I have always wanted to visit Coega.
I have already picked up details that I didn’t know.
It is practical knowledge that can be integrated into the syllabus.” Coega remains committed to supporting educational initiatives that drive socio-economic impact across the region.
