SA and China learn together

A group of South African women are heading for Beijing for diamond cutting training with Chinese diamond and jewelry manufacturer Michael Diamonds, according to Deputy Minister of Minerals and Energy Lulu Xingwana on February 20, 2006. During Xingwanas visit to Beijing on 17 November 2005, an agreement was signed to allow up to 15 students from South Africa to be trained in jewelry manufacturing.

The group formed part of the first phase of the South African governments skills development program with Michael Diamonds. According to the report, Xingwana said that eight more groups of trainees would be heading for China over time. The training would include design and some aspects of financial management. The group of women would spend three years in China, Xingwana added.

Department of Minerals and Energy Director of Beneficiation Sindiswa Gaven said that about 2,100 people were employed in South Africas jewelry sector. There was interest from a number of international investors from Antwerp and India to invest in the diamond trade in South Africa and the reopening of a big cutting centre in Kimberley was being looked at, Xingwana said.