Belgium-based diamond jeweller Pluczenik has chosen to establish a local division – Pluczenik South Africa – at the OR Tambo Special Economic Zone (SEZ), in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.

To commemorate South Africa and Belgium’s readiness to enhance political and economic relations, the OR Tambo SEZ – as a subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency – will welcome Belgium King Philippe for a walkabout of the OR Tambo SEZ Jewellery Manufacturing Precinct (JMP) on March 24, during his State visit to South Africa.

Pluczenik South Africa will reside at the OR Tambo SEZ JMP through a partnership with a South African entrepreneur Kealeboga Pule – founder of private diamond boutique jeweller Nungu Diamonds.

OR Tambo SEZ CEO Thandiwe Ngqobe says the partnership is proof that the OR Tambo SEZ can deliver on its mandate as the country’s first JMP located within an air freight logistics hub.

The partnership with the global diamond giant was established to drive the inclusion of emerging players in the diamond cutting and polishing space in 2021.

The Pluczenik facility will create at least 70 high-quality and skilled jobs, translating to higher productivity and capacity for the South African diamond industry.

The uptake of building space within the OR Tambo SEZ is critical to the JMP’s existence in the development of the mineral beneficiation sector and the required support of technical skills proficiency in jewellery and diamond beneficiation.

Pule says a partnership between a small, medium-sized and microenterprise owner and a multinational is not just good for the diamond industry, but is good for South Africa, overall, as it enables previously-disadvantaged individuals to be active participants in the diamond trade.

Diamonds have a long history and heritage in South Africa, and the diamond industry has vast potential to contribute to the growth and transformation of South Africa’s economy – an endeavour standing a better chance of being achieved with skills development and investment in new technologies.

The OR Tambo SEZ JMP provides manufacturers with the added advantage of shipping goods using air transport and being located in Gauteng, which many use as a gateway into the rest of Africa.

The JMP supports the diamond industry’s transformation by growing local diamond beneficiation and promoting equitable access to beneficiation of South Africa’s diamond resources.