The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) has announced the appointment of Themba Koza as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 April 2025.
A Strategic leader for growth
Dr. Luvuyo Bono, Chairperson of the CDC Board, stated: “This decision follows a comprehensive recruitment process undertaken by the CDC Board to identify a leader capable of steering the organisation towards its mission of being the most successful Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in South Africa and enhancing its reputation across the African continent and beyond.”
CDC said Koza, a seasoned insider with over two decades at CDC, brings deep institutional knowledge, strategic vision, and a strong investment track record.
His expertise spans commercial and operations management, large capital project execution, and multidisciplinary leadership.
He is also well-versed in public sector governance, including the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA), and King IV principles.
Professional Credentials
Koza holds:
- A Master’s Degree in Science (Rhodes University)
- A National Diploma in Chemical Engineering (Cape Peninsula University of Technology)
- A Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainability (University of Cambridge, UK)
He is furthering his qualifications with:
- An Executive MBA (University of Cape Town, in progress)
- A Master of Business Administration in International Business (Edinburgh Business School, in progress)
- A Management Development Programme (Wits Business School)
As a registered Prince2 Practitioner, he brings advanced project management expertise to CDC’s large-scale infrastructure initiatives.
Proven Track Record at CDC
Koza joined CDC in 2003 as Executive Manager for Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality and has since played a pivotal role in:
- Expanding the Coega SEZ into a leading investment hub
- Developing the Nelson Mandela Bay Logistics Park
- Diversifying CDC’s portfolio to include broader infrastructure and non-SEZ services
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Bono added: “The CDC Board extends its heartfelt congratulations to Koza on his well-deserved appointment as CEO. We look forward to his visionary leadership as the CDC continues to grow and excel in its mission to foster economic development and infrastructure growth in South Africa and beyond.”
Under Koza’s leadership, CDC is poised to strengthen its position as Africa’s premier SEZ, driving job creation, investment, and sustainable development.
