Sonjica Emphasizes Demarcation Between SDT, Diamdel
October 08, 07
The South African Minister of Minerals and Energy, Buyelwa Sonjica, recently moved to clarify the role of the country’s State Diamond Trader (SDT): “I wish to reiterate that the SDT is not Diamdel and that Diamdel is not the SDT.”
Citing certain misconceptions in the diamond market that Diamdel South Africa, the rough diamond trader of De Beers, and the SDT were the same organization, she said that De Beers had offered the services of Diamdel – namely its equipment and know-how – to the SDT.
“De Beers and the SDT have entered into a confidential agreement whereby the SDT appoints De Beers as an agent to render services to the SDT over a three-year period,” she explained. “However, it should be emphasized that even during this transitional period there will be a complete and clear demarcation between the functions of the SDT and ongoing Diamdel business.”
Sonjica noted that this three-year period will allow the SDT the necessary time to acquire the relevant skills and equipment to carry out its function as a body promoting local beneficiation in
At the end of the three-year period Diamdel will be dissolved.