NZHELELE - The De Beers Venetia mine, South Africa’s largest producer of diamonds, in partnership with the Limpopo Youth Commission, has focussed on the Nzhelele and Bochum areas in developing infrastructure of rural schools, said spokesperson Leon Nkhwashu.

He was a speaker at a career convention at Bochum College, Senwabarwana, last Friday. More than 2 000 Grade 11 and 12 Mathematics and Science learners from all municipalities in the Limpopo Province have an opportunity liaise with De Beers’ employees to discuss careers in the mining industry. This opportunity will be used to distribute bursary application forms to young, talented, historically disadvantaged learners, especial those interested in mining careers.

In the 2004 financial year, De Beers awarded bursaries totaling over R8 million to 165 students to pursue careers in mining at various tertiary institutions throughout the country.

Nkhwashu said De Beers also recruited South Africa’s first African female Mining Engineer, Vuyokazi Nontso, who is rearing at the opportunity to make an impression in this historically male-dominated industry.

He said De Beers recently entered into an exciting partnership programme, totaling R8 million with the Limpopo Department of Education, with a view to developing the infrastructure of rural schools. "The De Beers/Department of Education partnership will, in the first instance, be focusing on specific areas within the Bochum and Nzhelele districts. Needy schools have been invited to apply for funding towards the infrastructure needs. A priority will be given to the building of additional classrooms, ablution facilities and fencing," Mr Nkhwashu ads.