Gold and silver refiner Rand Refinery has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive growth and enterprise development in the local jewellery sector, as its Silver and Gold Mentorship Programme enters its fourth year.

Rand Refinery says the programme continues to become more focused and impactful.

Following the introduction of gold into the programme last year, this year the company will spotlight top-performing alumni. 

From May, the programme will transition to an advanced development stream for 14 standout graduates, deepening support for scalable, high-potential jewellery businesses.

Operated in partnership with the Ekurhuleni Jewellery Project (EJP), NQ Jewellers and the South African Diamond and Precious Metals Regulator, the mentorship programme offers aspiring jewellers technical incubation, business development support and direct market access through The Jewellery Village retail outlet at Montecasino and other platforms, including select lodges in the Kruger National Park.

Since its inception, the programme has trained more than 50 small and medium-sized business owners, offering a rare blend of financial support, skills development, personal coaching and commercial exposure.

Unlike many other industry initiatives, Rand Refinery’s model allows candidates to retain full ownership of their designs and products.

Each participant also receives access to tools and workspaces, as well as an interest-free loan of precious metals, traditionally 1 kg of silver.

Having introduced gold to the initiative last year, 947 g of gold valued at R1.7-million has been loaned to the initiative.

“By providing both silver and now gold on interest-free terms and supporting these entrepreneurs through market access and business skills training, we are nurturing a new generation of jewellers equipped to scale their businesses sustainably,” says Rand Refinery CEO and EJP chairperson Praveen Baijnath.

Turning back to this year, Baijnath says the programme will select the top ten performing alumni from the 2024 graduation ceremony for an advanced development stream over the next two years, whereby Rand Refinery will offer deeper support through working capital investment for growth.

In line with this evolution, Rand Refinery has also extended its supplier development efforts through significant infrastructure investment at EJP’s Germiston campus.

Phase 1, which included renovations and new equipment, is now complete, with Phase 2 in the pipeline to further elevate training and post-incubation production capabilities.

Rand Refinery also advances skills development for learners living with disabilities in Ekurhuleni, which enables them to enrol into the Silver and Gold Mentorship Programme.

“Over the past six years, we have had 129 learners who have successfully completed the learnership. Since the programme's inception, the company has spent more than R7-million on the development of learners living with disabilities,” the company confirms.

Baijnath concludes that, as Rand Refinery deepens its impact through the mentorship programme, the company’s focus remains on empowering individuals, transforming small businesses into scalable ventures and contributing meaningfully to communities.