De Beers Venetia mine has partnered with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) to empower and uplift local entrepreneurs through the annual Incubation Support Programme. Entrepreneurial development is one of the most effective ways of stimulating economic growth and creating jobs in local communities. With a 52% youth and 26,6% overall unemployment rate in South Africa, including pressures to meet the 2020 Global Initiative, approximately 11 million jobs need to be created by 2020 and this can be mainly achieved through the development of small businesses. To promote economic growth surrounding its operations, De Beers supports about 90 entrepreneurs through unique and specialised enterprise development and support programmes. The recent incubation support workshops were held in Musina and Blouberg in the Limpopo Province for 40 local enterprises.

The partnership with the NYDA ensures that young entrepreneurs are mentored and offered skills in financial management, operations and business management. The entrepreneurs are further linked with financing or business opportunities. Gregory Petersen, Senior Commercial Manager for De Beers says, “De Beers is extremely proud to be involved in the incubation programme because we are passionate about ensuring sustainable development and positively impacting future generations in the communities in which we operate. This programme will ensure that we develop sustainable businesses that will create jobs and opportunities for local entrepreneurs, elevating communities above poverty levels and reducing unemployment”.

The incubation programme features a monthly classroom training session offering mentorship on topics such as market research, financial management and operational management which should ultimately lead local businesses having bankable business plans.The workshop hosted at the Mudzwiri Lodge in Musina, was also attended by officials from the Provincial Treasury who promoted the use of the new internet-based portal to access Limpopo province government business opportunities or tenders which are advertised on the platform. The Blouberg local municipality also encouraged entrepreneurs to participate in local procurement opportunities to create job opportunities in local communities.About 12 young entrepreneurs currently involved in the incubation programme presented their businesses to the NYDA with the aim of accessing funding.  Phathutshevi Madima from Rodges Projects, a beneficiary of the programme says she hopes to grow her construction business and prove that women can thrive in the construction industry.

“It is rare to find a woman in the construction business, and I am in it to prove that female led construction businesses can work, and dispel the stereotypes. Ever since I presented my story to the NYDA and De Beers, I have become more confident and more motivated. I am now able to go out and source clients, something I was not able to do before.”“I currently employ two people and when I obtain funding from the NYDA, I will be able to employ over 10 people and make a difference in my community,” says Madina. “De Beers is pleased to see younger people taking advantage of the business opportunities afforded to them, more so the opportunity those looking to participate in the diamond sector value chain. We will support these businesses as way of reducing unemployment in local communities,” says Lesiba Lamola, Venetia ESD Manager.

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Contact Jackie Mapiloko+ (0)11 374 7173 and+27 (0)83 436 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About De Beers Group
De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining and marketing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. As part of the company’s operating philosophy, the people of De Beers Group are committed to ‘Building Forever’ by making a lasting contribution to the communities in which they live and work, and transforming natural resources into shared national wealth. For further information about De Beers Group, visit www.debeersgroup.com. 

The College of Magic, Cape Town’s only magical arts organisation, will transform the Helderberg area into a winter wonderland when it launches its National Lotteries Commission funded ‘Hope in Flight’ community programme, in partnership with the Imibala Trust, as a six week training Juggling and Card Skills course, from Thursday 4 May to Thursday 8 June, 2017.  

The College of Magic, now in its 37th year of teaching the magic theatrical performing arts and its allied arts (including juggling, puppetry, mime and clowning), with a social and life- skills component  to children and adults, is a non-profit organisation and the only one of its kind in the world.   Helderberg’s aspiring Harry Potters are invited to get a sneak peek behind the magician’s curtain at the Imibala Trust’s charming base in Bright Street in bustling Somerset West.   H

ere, the College’s voluntary staff, led by renowned South African magician and the face of world-famous beverage brand Coca Cola’s global relaunch campaign, Olwethu Dyantyi,  will introduce the wizarding recruits to the wonder of magic with a two-hour long lesson each week.  

Students from diverse backgrounds, between the age of 10 and 15 years old, will learn all kinds of fantastic effects in these incredible sessions, including the gravity defying effects of juggling which improves hand and eye coordination and the dexterity of card magic. In addition, these lessons offer learners the chance to improve their social and communication skills as well as equip them with employable skills.  

The Juggling and Card Skills course forms part of the College of Magic’s community training programme, a project funded with a grant of R500 000 from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) which supports disadvantaged students.   The ‘Hope in Flight’ community programme is an extension of the College’s successful Magic in the Community programme, which provides young people from poor communities with the opportunity to participate in an innovative performing arts training and development programme and promote a platform for the understanding and affirmation of South Africa’s cultural diversity.   

The College of Magic is thrilled to be commencing the next phase of its ‘Magic in the Community’ programme with the Imibala Trust:  

“The Imibala Trust has a strong community and youth development focus which makes them the perfect partner to help launch this phase of our programme and share the wonder of magic with a new generation of magic students. We look forward to motivating and inspiring the youth alongside them”, says David Gore, director of the College of Magic.   

Clare Jeffrey of Imibala Trust concurs:

“Magic has the ability to unite people, especially children, from all backgrounds. The College of Magic has a proven successful record of promoting diversity and unification through their teaching and we are committed to implementing this practice into our programmes.”  

A portion of the generous NLC grant has been used to appoint Dyantyi, a 2015 South African Magic Championships Grand Prix winner and a charming illusionist from Khayelitsha, who has performed all over the world, including China, USA, UK, Croatia and Italy, as the Magic in the Community coordinator.  

The talented performer can’t wait for the Juggling and Card Skills course to begin:  

“Kick-starting our “Magic in the Community’ project in the Helderberg area is so exciting! I can’t wait to meet my new students and help them develop their self-confidence. I have so much to teach them about the amazing world of magic”, says Dyantyi.  

The NLC relies on funds from the proceeds of the National Lottery. The Lotteries Act guides the way in which NLC funding may be allocated. The intention of NLC funding is to make a difference to the lives of all South Africans, especially those more vulnerable and to improve the sustainability of the beneficiary organisations. Available funds are distributed to registered and qualifying non-profit organisations in the fields of charities; arts, culture and national heritage; and sport and recreation. By placing its emphasis on areas of greatest need and potential, the NLC contributes to South Africa’s development.  

“We support the College of Magic’s vision for improving the lives of disadvantaged youth through the art of magic and are proud to be associated with the Magic in the Community and rural programme. We look forward to seeing how these programmes and our contribution can positively influence their futures”, says Ms. Marcelle Musson, the NLC Provincial Manager of the Western Cape.   Please visit the National Lotteries Commission website www.nlcsa.org.za to find out about the NLC mandate and other projects they fund.  

Calling all aspirant mini-magicians in the Helderberg area:  

Youngsters, between 10 and 15 years old, keen to learn the wondrous art of magic, are invited to  join the College of Magic’s Juggling and Card Skills course, to be held weekly for six weeks at the Imibala Trust’s premises in Bright Street, Somerset West from Thursday 4 May to Thursday 8 June, 2017 from 3.00pm to 5.00pm.  

For families who can afford, the fees are R1200 and include notes and magical equipment, which will be provided by the College of Magic.   Registration for the Juggling and Card Skills course is now open. Please email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 021 852 0418.    

For more information about the College of Magic and its social outreach initiatives, please visit www.collegeofmagic.com.