Old Beneficiaries of Zimbabwe's Black Empowerment Set to Venture Into Diamond Cutting

Affirmative Action Group President Supa Mandiwanzira said his organization
will soon set up 10 consortiums to venture into diamond cutting and
polishing at the US$30 million diamond processing center currently under
construction in Harare.

Gibbs Dube | Washington 01 September 2010

The Affirmative Action Group (AAG) says the recent deal it struck with the
Zimbabwe Diamond Technology Center for indigenous businesses to cut and
polish Marange diamonds will benefit members of the black empowerment
organization.

AAG President Supa Mandiwanzira said his movement will soon form 10
consortiums to venture into diamond cutting and polishing at the US$30
million center currently under construction in Harare.

Mandiwanzira said the AAG will set up an internal body to process
applications from various companies and individuals affiliated to the
organization.

Critics said it was likely the same businesspeople who have benefited from
the indigenization process over the years will be at the forefront of this
new venture.

Mandiwanzira told VOA Studio 7 reporter Gibbs Dube that if most AAG members
do not apply for the few consortium slots, old beneficiaries of the black
empowerment process will take charge.

Buletsi Nyathi of the Youth in Mining Council of Zimbabwe said it is clear
that the indigenization process is designed to benefit people aligned to
President Robert Mugabe's Zanu PF.