Transformation of the South African diamond industry is part of government’s vision. In support of driving that vision, De Beers has a flagship business development programme nurtures entrepreneurs in the diamond and jewellery industry. Launched in 2016 in partnership with Raizcorp, the programme aims to equip entrepreneurs with skills to build successful and sustainable businesses. The three-year sponsored programme provides entrepreneurs with training and mentorship from seasoned business leaders, with a focus on diamond beneficiators, jewellery designers, manufacturers and retailers.
This programme is a key pillar of De Beers’ Beneficiation strategy, a commitment to leading the transformation of the local diamond industry toward greater inclusivity and sustainability. With applications open for the latest cohort, the primary goal of the programme seeks support the development of entrepreneurs who could ultimately become successful De Beers sightholders – a select group of the world’s leading diamantaires who purchase rough diamonds through global sales and auctions. This is one of the business’ investments in the future of the sector and the broader South African economy. ”,
We would like to offer you an interview with Richard Steenkamp, Senior Sales and Office Manager De Beers Sightholder Sales South Africa to share insights on their Beneficiation strategy, how it contributes towards transforming the South African diamond industry and talk further on the programme in terms of how it nurtures and elevates local entrepreneurial talent in the sector.
De Beers invites applications for its development programme for diamond and jewellery entrepreneurs in South Africa
De Beers Group, in partnership with Raizcorp, has opened applications for its flagship business development programme, designed to nurture and elevate entrepreneurial talent in South Africa’s diamond and jewellery sector.
Launched in 2016, the programme seeks to empower ambitious entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge required to build sustainable and profitable enterprises. This initiative is a key pillar of De Beers’ Beneficiation Strategy, aligned with the South African government’s vision for the transformation of the local diamond mining industry.
“As South Africa’s oldest mining company and a part of Anglo America’s operations in the country, De Beers is committed to leading the transformation of the local diamond industry toward greater inclusivity and sustainability”, says Richard Steenkamp, Senior Sales and Office Manager De Beers Sightholder Sales South Africa.
“Entrepreneurship is vital to South Africa’s economic growth and job creation. One of our programme’s primary goals is to support the development of entrepreneurs who could one day become successful De Beers Sightholders, continuing our legacy of commitment to the country’s future.
In 2023, De Beers appointed its first black-owned Sightholder, a graduate of the programme’s inaugural cohort in 2016. Sightholders are a select group of the world’s leading diamantaires who purchase De Beers’ rough diamonds through global sales and auctions.
Successful applicants to this fully sponsored three-year programme, will receive entrepreneurial training and mentorship from seasoned business leaders, with a focus on diamond beneficiators, jewellery designers, manufacturers, and retailers.
Entrepreneurs who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply before the closing date on 31 October 2024. Applicants must fulfil all requirements, including licencing with the South African Diamond and Precious Metals Regulator (SADPMR), and preference will be given to businesses operating for more than 18 months.
“De Beers is dedicated to driving growth and innovation in South Africa’s diamond and jewellery industry,” says Steenkamp. “This programme is a significant investment in the future of the sector and the broader South African economy.”
