FRIDGE RESEARCH

Support for the South African jewellery industry

The Nedlac constituencies, through the Fridge mechanism, have been involved in various initiatives to grow South Africa's jewellery industry.

The project has involved working closely with the Jewellery Council. Workshops have been held with emerging export marketing groups in Johannesburg and Cape Town. One of the groups was able to obtain space at one of the largest jewellery department stores in Korea during the time of the soccer World Cup.

The consultants have also focused attention on incentives required from the dti for industry development. As part of their report, they will suggest improvements on existing incentives, as well as possible new incentives. They will also produce a document for industry on how to maximise use of existing incentive schemes.

A session was held in Johannesburg where manufacturers and designers were brought together to discuss ways of co-operating in using designs and manufacturing capacity to mutual benefit.

The Jewellery Cluster has submitted a proposal for further Fridge research - this time into the diamond industry. The proposal, which is currently under consideration, involves identifying opportunities, obstacles and action steps for the development of the full range of South African diamond industries.

Update on other current studies

Blanks, Pressings and Semi-finished Components (BPSFC) Study: During May, the consultants and two members of the counterpart group undertook trips to Europe and USA to determine companies interested in sourcing BPSFC's from South Africa.

e-Business Strategy: The consultants have presented a strategy and business plan for the South African stainless steel industry to utilise eBusiness to grow the marketing and distribution of stainless steel products.

Eco-labelling: The consultants have presented their first report, Global Review of Eco-labels: Implications for South Africa. Two policy options to consider were identified, namely either implementing a South African eco-labelling scheme or facilitating access to external labelling schemes. Members of the counterpart group were requested to consult with their constituencies before proceeding to Phase 2 which will look at implications, options and recommendations of introducing eco-labels in South Africa. The anticipated date of completion is August 2002.

Phasing out of Asbestos: The consultants have been approved, and will meet with the counterpart group to kick-start the study. It is anticipated that the study will be completed in September 2002.