The Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources Mr Godfrey Oliphant (MP), in collaboration with State Diamond Trader (SDT), hosted the second Indaba in Johannesburg yesterday. The Deputy Minister emphasized the need to transform and revive the diamond sector to ensure that the industry remains globally competitive. He further indicated that government and its State entities remain committed in working together with the industry to set out realistic expectations and deliverables to ensure sustainable growth.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the SDT Ms Futhi Zikalala Mvelase, the SDT will continue to coordinate meaningful engagements between stakeholders in order to reenergize, grow and position South Africa to be heartbeat of diamond beneficiation in Africa. In acknowledging the complexity and challenges of the diamond industry, the Indaba resolved to strengthen collaborative efforts towards addressing challenges and capitalising on opportunities to refine and implement the 2026 Diamond Vision. Ms Zikalala said there is a need for the industry to have a clear distinction of the medium and long term plans to concretize the 2026 Vision. The Indaba also recognised progress in this regard against the 2015 Indaba resolutions, including implementing the Enterprise Development Program. The program affords 18 young emerging entrepreneurs the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills in the diamond cutting and polishing sector.

The 2016 Diamond Indaba further resolved to empower the existing task team which will include all industry role players to enhance available skills and technology for South Africa to compete globally and to invest in exploration to ensure supply of rough diamonds.

Issued by Department of Mineral Resources