Developing farmers in the agricultural hub of Kungwini, South Africa, an area near the Cullinan mine, are getting an early Christmas present this year. De Beers, in partnership with the Kungwini Local Municipality, has announced its commitment to develop and expand the area, with a donation of R2 million ($285,905) for the expansion of crop farming projects.  

The projects will initiate and grow from the beginning of 2008, and the monetary contribution will enable the community to develop an agricultural hub in the nearby Bronkhorstpruit area, with an aim to transform the crop farming projects into a commercially viable, self-sustaining agricultural entity.

Although the Cullinan mine was recently sold to the Petra Diamonds Cullinan Consortium, De Beers noted that it will continue to be involved in many of the projects in the areas of education, health (particularly HIV/AIDS), youth sport and recreation projects and small business development.