Kimberley will soon get its sparkle back when the State Diamond Trader (SDT) is established in the Northern Cape city.
PW Saaiman, provincial minister for economic affairs, said on Wednesday the establishment of the SDT should have many developmental spin-offs for the city.
”This year will be known as the year in which Kimberley gets its diamond sparkle back, where a rich diamond history and heritage are united for the future prosperity of the province and all its citizens,” he said.
Minerals and Energy Affairs Minister Buyelwa Sonjica announced recently that the SDT would be launched in Johannesburg and later moved to Kimberley.
The SDT is to buy 10% of all diamonds produced in South Africa and sell them to the country’s diamond cutters and polishers. Saaiman described this as ”a giant leap to establish Kimberley as the diamond hub of South Africa and the Southern African Development Community”.
The location of the SDT was supported by the ”bold step” De Beers took when it moved its South African ”sights” [occasions when diamonds are offered for sale] back to Kimberley in March, after an absence of nearly 15 years. De Beers was helping to set up the SDT.
Earlier, Saaiman told the provincial legislature that: ”The number of jobs envisaged and the magnitude of these projects will require improved infrastructure in … telecommunications, education and energy.”
In the current financial year his department would focus primarily on the relocation of the SDT, and supporting it.
The diamond hub is expected to create nearly 2 000 job opportunities in the Kimberley area.
”An estimated 90% of South Africa’s diamond production already passes through Kimberley and by having the State Diamond Trader these diamonds will stay longer and generate opportunities for the people of this province by means of trade and
beneficiation,” said Saaiman. – Sapa