SDT chairperson Mervyn Carstens
Photo by: Duane Daws
JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – The State Diamond Trader (SDT) on Monday launched an enterprise development programme to assist entrepreneurs in the diamond industry.
Launched during the second South African Diamond Indaba, in Midrand, SDT chairperson Mervyn Carstens said the initiative would develop young people through a three-year programme.
The programme will entail key learning areas, including diamond cutting and polishing, diamond trading and business management courses.
“We will support them step-by-step,” Carstens said, adding that the SDT would also assist successful learners to source financing and licences to establish their own businesses.
While undergoing the three-year programme, learners are also placed with diamond manufacturing companies to get in-depth insight into the industry.
“Together with our partners, we will continue to . . . help address youth unemployment,” he pointed out.