Known as a symbol of luxury, status and heritage, global demand for natural, mined diamonds has decreased with the growing popularity of more affordable lab grown alternatives, especially with the younger generation.

The inaugural South Africa Diamond Show to be held at The Capetonian hotel, alongside Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town from February 3 to 5, seeks to highlight the evolution and promotion of natural diamonds while marketing South Africa as the leading diamond hub to a global audience. An exclusive gala dinner will be held on February 2 to launch the show.

The State Diamond Trader, which aims to grow local diamond beneficiation, is hosting the show in collaboration with Minerals and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe.

The State-owned entity’s strategic decision to host the event as the global mining community descends on Cape Town presents a unique opportunity to reinforce the country's global standing within the diamond industry. The event will also address the industry’s key challenges – ethical sourcing, sustainability and technical innovation.

“This show will solidify our position as a prime destination for diamond trade and industry collaboration, ensuring that South Africa maintains its global competitive edge. The show will also highlight the key aspects regarding the evolution of natural diamonds. With the growing prominence of synthetic diamonds in the marketplace, the show will focus on educating international stakeholders about the intrinsic value and unique characteristics of natural diamonds, emphasising their role as a timeless investment and as a symbol of luxury,” said State Diamond Trader CEO Nosiphiwo Mzamo at a media launch in Johannesburg in January.

The show will serve as an international trade platform and a catalyst for sustainable growth for South Africa, ensuring that the industry continues to be a vital contributor to the national economy. The event also intends to firmly position South Africa as a pivotal force in the global diamond industry to spur economic growth, foreign investment and create employment opportunities.

Mzamo emphasised that job creation and skills development are equally key to enabling the future of the South African diamond industry. Therefore, the South Africa Diamond Show is aimed at not only generating employment but also support for initiatives that promote skills development, capacity building and empowering the next generation of industry professionals.

“The South Africa Diamond Show is more than an exhibition, it is a unique platform that brings together leaders from mining, cutting and polishing, jewellery trading and regulators, creating an exceptional opportunity for business-to-business and business-to-consumer engagement. It is a celebration of our nation's rich diamond heritage, echoing our unwavering commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing and corporate social responsibility.

“This event embodies excellence by showcasing the finest quality natural diamonds and the cutting-edge innovation that defines South Africa's diamond industry, while also encouraging collaboration by fostering partnerships across the global diamond chain, bringing together industry leaders, government stakeholders and local enterprises to drive sustainable growth and shared prosperity,” added Mzamo.

By showcasing South African diamonds and their value-added processes, the event will encourage further investment in South Africa, in local diamond cutting and polishing and manufacturing, ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. The event will also support government's commitment to ensure that South Africa remains a responsible player in the global diamond market while adhering to the international standards of the Kimberley Process.

Visitors to the South Africa Diamond Show will be treated to an exhibition of South African diamonds, while also gaining access to local mining companies, traders and manufacturers displaying cutting-edge technology. This is in addition to benefiting from business matching and networking tailored sessions to facilitate meaningful dialogues.