While the first academic term is already underway, the Coega Development Corporation (Coega) remains firmly committed to advancing United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all by 2030. Through targeted interventions in marginalised communities, Coega continues to demonstrate that meaningful development is driven not by timelines, but by purpose and impact.
In fact, in partnership with Msinsi Holdings, today, Coega delivered 40 school uniforms, pairs of shoes, and dignity packs to learners at Obed Mlaba Technical High School in KwaZulu-Natal. This intervention reflects a deliberate investment in learner readiness, inclusion, and long-term educational success.
Coega Corporate Social Investment Manager, Ms. Sylvia Graham, says that this programme is about ensuring that hope and confidence is restored to pupils.
Graham says: “School shoes are things that people take for granted, but in essence a child having a pair of shoes that can carry them for the whole year, means that they are at school always and never fall behind academically. A simple thing such as having a clean white shirt, that doesn’t have holes and isn’t torn, restores confidence in a learner and allows them to focus on their studies and education.”
Through a strategic partnership with Msinsi Holdings, the Coega Development Corporation is broadening the reach of its Back-to-School Campaign, demonstrating how like-minded entities can join hands to collectively make a meaningful difference in the lives of learners and their communities.
Msinsi Holdings Head of Business Development, Mr. Bahle Magwaza, says that this initiative resonates deeply with the organisation’s purpose of driving meaningful social impact in the communities it serves.
“By contributing to essential school resources, Msinsi and Coega are investing not only in the immediate needs of learners but also in long-term community resilience, educational equity and opportunities for youth advancement. This partnership further highlights a shared commitment to building stronger, healthier and better-equipped communities connected to critical water resource environments,” says Magwaza.
For many of the beneficiaries, who come from households where purchasing school uniforms and shoes is simply not financially possible, the gesture has been met with heartfelt gratitude.
One of the school pupils at Obed Mlaba Technical High School, Mr. Siyamthanda Cele says: “The support we have got today is really making us happy, because some of our parents cannot afford to buy us school uniforms, so we really appreciate this.”
Ms. Aphiwe Mbambo, who received a new school uniform and a dignity pack, is elated by the kind gesture. “We are so grateful for the support that these two companies have given us. Some pupils don’t come to school because they are embarrassed because of the condition of their uniforms, so this will give them confidence and ensure they never miss school,” she says.
Graham also shared that this initiative of this nature underscores the Coega’s dual mandate of advancing industrial and infrastructure development while driving sustainable socio-economic impact.
Other Coega School-related Projects undertaken in 2026:
- Coega Maths and Science Programme Achieves 100% Physical Science Pass Rate for the Fourth Consecutive Year.
- Premier Mabuyane Unveils R52m Rural School Project, Providing State-of-the-Art Facilities and Local Jobs.
- Coega Invites Applications for the Maths and Science Programme: Class of 2026.
