2nd October 2008
This came after former CEO Abbey Chikane left the organisation after his contract was not renewed.
Zikalala was previously on the board of the SDT, and holds the position of deputy DG of Mining Policy and Promotion within the DME.
The SDT was established in February 2008 to buy 10% of the country’s diamond production for sale to local cutters and polishers, in an attempt to boost local beneficiation and job creation.
However, the organisation has fallen short of meeting its objectives.
Diamond giant De Beers was said to be the only mining company that was supplying rough stones to the SDT. About 3% of De Beers production was sold to the SDT.
The organisation was, as yet, still unsure of whether or not it would get further funding from the National Treasury to continue with its operations into the next financial year.
Edited by: Mariaan Webb


















