Neftaly Charity – January 1991
Report: Neftaly – STATE DIAMOND TRADER PARTNERSHIP
Presented by: Chief Development Officer, Neftaly
1. Introduction
In January 1991, Neftaly Charity embarked on a historic partnership with the State Diamond Trader, establishing a foundation for social impact, local economic empowerment, and ethical beneficiation within the diamond industry. This report outlines the genesis, objectives, early results, and strategic significance of the Neftaly–State Diamond Trader Partnership.
2. Background and Context
The diamond industry has long been one of South Africa’s most valuable sectors. However, historically, its wealth generation has not always aligned with local development or community empowerment. In response, Neftaly initiated dialogue with the State Diamond Trader to co-create a framework that ensures social equity, job creation, and youth-focused skills development.
The collaboration was formalised in January 1991, marking the first instance of a charity-led beneficiation effort alongside a state-owned commercial entity in the mineral sector.
3. Objectives of the Partnership
The primary goals of the partnership were:
- Skills Development: Establish training programs for disadvantaged youth in diamond cutting, polishing, and valuation.
- Enterprise Support: Enable small and medium-sized black-owned businesses to participate in the diamond value chain.
- Revenue Reinvestment: Channel a portion of diamond trading revenues into community education, health, and development programs.
- Transparency & Ethics: Promote responsible sourcing and ethical trade practices aligned with both international standards and community expectations.
4. Key Activities Initiated (January 1991)
- Training Launch: The Neftaly–State Diamond Trader Skills Academy was established in Johannesburg, offering an inaugural cohort of 50 learners an intensive 12-month diamond beneficiation program.
- Youth Entrepreneurship Program: A mentorship and grant initiative was introduced for youth interested in launching micro-enterprises in jewellery design and gemstone trade.
- Community Reinvestment Pilot: 10% of net profits from select diamond transactions were earmarked for reinvestment into Neftaly’s rural education and health programs, benefiting over 3,000 individuals in the first month.
- Ethical Trade Framework: Drafting of joint guidelines on ethical procurement and trade, aimed at strengthening regulatory and moral governance in diamond transactions.
5. Early Impact (as of January 31, 1991)
- 50 young South Africans enrolled in vocational training, with 90% retention by end of month.
- R500,000 raised and allocated to education and health outreach programs in Eastern Cape and Northern Transvaal.
- Engagement with over 20 small-scale traders and cutters for future inclusion in a cooperative buying model.
- Recognition from local and regional stakeholders for innovative private-public-charity collaboration.
6. Strategic Importance
This partnership signifies a transformative step towards inclusive economic development and social justice. Neftaly and the State Diamond Trader jointly acknowledge that sustainable impact requires more than resource extraction — it demands empowerment, reinvestment, and a bold shift toward human-centric policies.
Our collaboration is not only a South African innovation but a model with potential to influence resource management strategies across the continent.
7. Looking Forward
As we advance into the coming months, the partnership aims to:
- Expand training capacity to 200 youth annually.
- Scale enterprise support into Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal.
- Finalise and publish the ethical trade framework.
- Formalise reinvestment metrics and accountability mechanisms.
8. Conclusion
The Neftaly–State Diamond Trader Partnership is more than a program — it is a movement. We are laying the foundation for a more equitable diamond industry, one that empowers our youth, uplifts our communities, and honours our nation’s natural wealth with integrity.
We thank all stakeholders, from government to grassroots, who have contributed to this vision. Neftaly remains committed to working side-by-side with the State Diamond Trader to transform opportunity into long-term social value.
Submitted by:
Chief Development Officer
Neftaly Charity
January 1991

