SAFDICO LAUNCHES DIAMOND TECHNOLOGY PARK



Safdico launched its world class Diamond Technology Park (DTP) in Gaborone on 28 January 2009 with a glittering gala dinner officiated by the Honorable Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Dr PHK Kedikilwe.

Other guests included His Excellency, the former President of Botswana Mr Festus Mogae, Ministers, Lesotho dignitaries, international and local members of the press, DTC and De Beers senior management as well as world business leaders such as Laurence Graff.

The function celebrated the establishment of a prestigious international diamond centre – a campus designed as the central hub for the burgeoning diamond cutting industry in Botswana.

Safdico, a blue chip diamond company and DTC Sightholder, led the development of DTP in a private initiative with the founding of its diamond cutting facility in September 2007. Other buildings followed, housing sightholders, the GIA and other global companies servicing the diamond industry culminating in today’s festivities.

This important project was the result of a mutually beneficial partnership between Safdico and the Botswana government. Support for the project emanated from the Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources and was further endorsed by every other government department such as Lands/ City Council/ DTRP, Wildlife, BEDIA, BURS etc. “The Botswana government from its Ministers down understood the significance of developing a sustainable, self sufficient diamond industry and supported its development through the establishment of Diamond Technology Park, one of Botswana’s most successful private projects” said Brian Gutkin, Safdico’s CEO.


Not only did the Park draw substantial foreign investment through its development and through its attraction of international tenants but DTP decisively addresses Botswana’s need for employment creation, skills development and beneficiation. This is done through the establishment of suitable infrastructure and a framework within which businesses can operate securely and efficiently. Safdico and DTP themselves employ in excess of 120 people, all of whom have been extensively trained and who have benefited by Safdico’s skills transfer.

In reference to the Park’s spectacular architectural design Gutkin confirmed “Diamond Technology Park is the world’s most unique diamond centre. We had the opportunity to create a diamond park from scratch, based on our extensive experience in the diamond industry. This allowed us to style the Park in an efficient practical manner while still maintaining its grandeur and relevance”. The theme throughout the Park suggests diamond facets emerging from course, rough base materials. Reflective wall surfaces emulate the process of creating polished from rough. Tranquility, space and light create a working environment conducive to maximizing the value of every stone. This is an atmosphere matched to the product it produces – beautiful diamonds

Safdico has purchased and polished some of the world’s most prestigious and important diamonds such as the the Lesotho Promise,(603cts, 15th largest diamond ever found), the Dream Diamond (102cts Vivid Yellow Cushion), The Flame (100ct Gem Pearshape) and The Icon 90.97cts (D Flawless, Round Brilliant) to name a few.

Based on its extensive efforts in Botswana and its core capabilities, Safdico is looking forward to polishing many famous Botswana diamonds, in Botswana, by Batswana thus positioning Botswana firmly on the world diamond map – where it belongs.