The next generation of jewellers are faced with the task of succeeding in a highly competitive environment, and Cape Precious Metals is happy to be doing our part to support them as they navigate the red tape and daily challenges of this dynamic industry. Tom Altavilla, our sales Manager for Gauteng, was greatly impressed by the remarkable talent evident at the ceremony for the graduates of the Intsika Silver Mentorship Programme of 2022.
Following this event, CPM presented prizes to the most outstanding students from Ekurhuleni Jewellery Project (EJP): from both the Silver Mentorship Class of 2022 as well as the Ximilani Enterprise Development Programme Class of 2022. The student displays were absolutely top-notch, and the winners in each category should be justifiably proud.
Kamogelo Phago and Isaac Khoza, trading under Luxity Fine Jewellery, led the pack in the Silver Mentorship contingent, and the winner from Ximilani was Lebohang Ntomane. We presented these young achievers with a toolbox kit sourced from Goldsmith & Jewellery Supplies, containing the large variety of tools and implements that are daily essentials in the jewellery manufacturing trade.
The prizes were handed over by Tom and Shannon Mackay (our Gauteng Branch Manager) on Friday 4th August, at EJP. They were welcomed by Samuel Manyisa, the Centre Manager of EJP, and Didi Mapatle, their Marketing Co-ordinator.
Samuel Manyisa with Kamogelo Phago, Tom Altavilla and Isaac Khoza; and Tom Altavilla presenting Lebohang Ntomane with his sponsored toolbox
Judging of the awards was based on various criteria, namely:
- Did the designer stick to the brief?
- Are the designs original and unique?
- Are the designs practical and wearable?
- Are the pieces well constructed?
- Are the pieces neatly soldered, set, enamelled?
- Are the pieces well finished, polished?
- How is the level of porosity, cracks and the fire scale?
- Will the piece last and is it viable for the commercial world?
The Ekurhuleni Jewellery Project is a Non-Profit Organisation. It was officially launched in 2009 as a training and business incubation Centre and initially supported by Rand Refinery as its Corporate Social Responsibility Investment to address the socio-economic issues in and around Ekurhuleni. EJP is funded by Rand Refinery and SEDA Technology Programme (STP) through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and supported by The Jewellery Council of South Africa.
The facility now comprises four buildings within the Rand Refinery Jewellery Village. The core business of Ekurhuleni Jewellery Project is to develop Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) for commercial sustainability and success by offering business development services, transferring technology, facilitating access to minerals and providing an enabling environment to the emerging jewellers.
Visit their website for more information: https://ejewellery.org.za/
