Petra Diamonds, a leader in diamond mining, proudly handed over the newly completed facilities of Phase 2b of the Onverwacht Primary School Project to the relevant authorities in Cullinan on 5 December 2023. This significant milestone marks another step in Petra Diamonds' unwavering commitment to social responsibility through its Social and Labour Plan (SLP) projects.

True to its purpose of creating abundance from rarity, Petra Diamonds recognises the importance of investing in the development of its mine host communities, particularly in nurturing the potential of the youth. The collaborative effort between Petra Diamonds, the Department of Mineral Resource and Energy, the Department of Basic Education, and the Onverwacht Primary School and the host community exemplifies the power of driving shared value partnerships to create positive change.

The completion of Phase 2b builds upon the success of Phase 1, which was finalised in 2017 and included the construction of four classrooms, a nutrition centre, and an Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre. The upgraded facilities in Phase 2b now boast an administration block, library, and a guardhouse, with the scope extended to also include a kitchen and staffroom further enhancing the school's infrastructure.

To amplify the positive impact of the project on the community, the full scope of work was awarded to and executed by a local, women-owned Small, Medium, and Micro-sized Enterprise (SMME). The initiative resulted in the creation of 35 short-term employment opportunities for community members, in addition to offering 10 subcontracting opportunities that further facilitated short-term employment for over 30 previously unemployed individuals within the community.

Mr. Richard Duffy, CEO of Petra Diamonds, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "Petra Diamonds is proud to contribute to the growth and development of the Onverwacht community. Education is a cornerstone of societal progress, and the Onverwacht Primary School Project exemplifies our dedication to creating abundance from rarity. Today, we do not merely hand over a set of buildings; we deliver on a promise, an investment into infrastructure and education".

Petra Diamonds proudly upholds and supports five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and this project, specifically contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education. This goal seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education, promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. Petra Diamonds recognises the need for ongoing investment in local infrastructure and is committed to fostering sustainable outcomes for all stakeholders.

As Petra Diamonds continues to build strong relationships within the communities within which we operate, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to contributing to the future viability of local communities. By investing in education, Petra Diamonds is actively working to brighten the future of the youth in the region.