Mines and energy minister Tom Alweendo revived the Diamond Board of Namibia yesterday after it was dormant for over five years.
He appointed 13 members nominated by diamond stakeholders, including producers, manufacturers, polishers and cutters.
“The whole idea is to have people with specific expertise within the industry, who can use that expertise to advise the ministry on the challenges facing the industry.”
Alweendo said the board would provide advice upon the minister’s request, as well as identify issues and offer recommendations.
He said the board’s role is solely to advise the minister on matters related to the diamond industry, and not to make decisions.
“This is an important function, because the diamond industry plays a crucial role in our economy,” Alweendo said.
One of the significant issues identified by Alweendo is the need for advice on the challenges posed by synthetic diamonds and conflict diamonds.
“There are people investing in artificially producing diamonds, and these diamonds closely resemble natural ones.
The challenge is that if, for some reason, these diamonds start to capture the market that natural producer countries like us need to sell to, it will mean that we will lose that market,” he said.
The board members are: Erasmus Shivolo, Isabella Chirchir from the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Festus Nghifenwa from the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises, Maenge Shipiki-Kali, Wollen Nell, Pauline Thomas, representing large-scale diamond producers, Emily Kapulwa, representing small-scale producers, Brent Eiseb, representing diamond dealers, Nenulilo Ithete, representing diamond cutters, Benita Herma, representing jewellery manufacturers and Desley Somseb from the Mineworkers Union of Namibia.
