02 Aug 2023

Seventy-two students last week graduated from StarGems Training Centre in various areas of diamond manufacturing such as rough diamond sorting, quality grading, and polishing.

The training was wholly sponsored by the international diamond jeweller StarGems to empower local communities in diamond manufacturing.

StarGems partnered with the Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Training School in South Africa to develop the curriculum and teaching material for the initiative.  

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, De Beers Global Sightholder Sales Chief Financial Officer, Ms Susanne Swanikar said StarGems had made a positive impact on the nation’s future.

“StarGems Training Centre is a beacon of hope and opportunity for our people. The company has not only contributed to human capital development, but is playing a vital role in fostering employment creation as well,” she said.

Ms Swanikar said StarGems’ initiative was developing talent for the future, and urged other sightholders to follow suit.

She said it was good to see the country training excess capacity to be able to meet the industry’s demands. 

She implored the graduates to consider the StarGems certificates as an opportunity for the future, even if they do not get employed immediately.

 “Look at the investment that has been made in you, and look at how you can take that and further develop yourself,” she said.

Congratulating the graduates, the StarGems Managing Director, Mr Vishal Shah pointed out that “this is a proud moment for all of us as it symbolises the success of your hard work”.

Mr Shah said the company aimed to equip Batswana with the necessary skills to excel in the diamond industry and that establishment of the training centre was a testament to their commitment.

“It is essential to take care of the community that supports us and by providing free training, we hope to contribute to the development of our society and at the same time get talented individuals from Botswana to help further the country’s ambitions” Mr Shah said.  

“The internationally recognised certificate you have earned for this training opens doors of opportunity for you, not only in Botswana but anywhere in the world where the diamond industry thrives.”

Diamond Hub Coordinator, Mr Jacob Thamage, who represented the Minister of Minerals and Energy, applauded the diamond training initiative, and stated that it would help address the shortage of skilled workers in the diamond sector. Ends