Career Background:

Mr. Kgatliso Manake is an experienced Development Funding Specialist with over 15 years of expertise in the Enterprise and Development Finance ecosystem. His areas of specialization include Deal Origination, Deal Structuring, Financial Analysis, Due Diligence, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), Project Management, Business Development, Stakeholder Management, Local Economic Development (LED), Incubation Management, and Board Governance.

His passion lies in the development of people, particularly in fostering township and rural enterprises by providing these businesses with essential access to finance to ensure financial inclusion for the most vulnerable in our society.

Current Responsibilities:

Mr. Manake currently serves as the Chairperson of the Boards for both the Kimberley Diamond and Jewellery Incubator (KDJI) and the Northern Cape Agricultural Incubator (NCAi).

He is also a Trustee of the Ba-ga Motlhware Community Trust and represents the interests of the National Empowerment Fund (NEF).

Educational Background:

• National Diploma in Import and Export Management, Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT)
• B.Tech degree in Project Management, Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT)
• Post Graduate Diploma in Development Finance, Stellenbosch University

Professional Background:

Ms. Mosikare’s professional journey began at a prominent black commercial law firm in Pretoria. She further honed her skills at a distinguished law firm in Kimberley before venturing into entrepreneurship. As the CEO and founder of Mosikare Attorneys, she leads a dedicated team of young professionals, contributing significantly to the legal landscape in Kimberley.

Roles and Contributions at KDJI:

In her capacity as company secretary for KDJI, Ms. Mosikare plays a pivotal role in advising the Board and safeguarding the interests of the organization. Her strategic counsel and legal acumen ensure that KDJI operates within the framework of regulatory compliance while pursuing its mission to empower artisans in the diamond and jewellery industry.

Education and Expertise:

Ms. Mosikare holds an LLB degree from the University of the Witwatersrand

Career Background:
Ms. Naazlene Patel began her career in the technology transfer domain, where she cultivated networks and expertise in Intellectual Property, Commercialization, and Startup Incubators. Her tenure at the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and The Innovation Hub involved crafting business cases for funding projects across natural resources, energy, ICT, biotechnology, and health sectors. Later, she transitioned into management consulting at Deloitte, contributing to strategic development and problem-solving initiatives across diverse industries.

Previous Roles:

• Spearheaded initiatives in natural resources business unit at TIA and BioPark at The Innovation Hub
• Managed incubators focusing on biotechnology, health sector companies, and tech businesses

Current Responsibilities at KDJI:
As a Non-Executive Director, Ms. Patel upholds fiduciary duties towards the KDJI Board and stakeholders. She actively contributes to sub-committees, prioritizing governance and integrity in alignment with King IV principles.

Educational Background:

• Masters in Biotechnology
• Masters in Business Administration
• Certified Director through the Institute of Directors in South Africa (IoDSA)

Professional Background:

Mr. Legalamitlwa’s extensive experience stems from his roles as Manager-Finance and Corporate Services, Audit Committee Member, and Trustee. He brings a wealth of expertise in overseeing KDJI’s Human Capital functions, including Social and Ethics, operations management, budget processes, and organizational strategy.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Administration: Public Administration and Public Management, University of Pretoria

Bachelor of Administration: Honours Degree, University of Pretoria

Governance and Human Rights Post Graduate Diploma Programme, University of the Western Cape

Current Studies:

Public Law, Dullah-Omar Institute for Constitutional Law – University of the Western Cape

MPhil – Taxation, University of Pretoria

Career Background:
With 33 years of dedicated service in the diamond industry, Mr. Van Der Ross brings invaluable expertise to his roles. He has been the Operations Manager of the State Diamond Trader since June 2016 and represents the organization as a founding member of the Kimberley Diamond and Jewellery Incubator. His journey began in 1991 with De Beers in Kimberley, where he served in various leadership roles for 25 years. He also spent time in De Beers’ London and Antwerp offices, gaining diverse experience in the valuation, buying, and selling of rough diamonds.

Previous Roles:
Mr. Van Der Ross was part of the technical team seconded to the State Diamond Trader from 2007 to May 2016 under a Service Level Agreement with the De Beers Group of Companies.

Transition to Board Membership:
Mr. Van Der Ross’s extensive experience and dedication to the diamond industry led him to become a founding member of the Kimberley Diamond and Jewellery Incubator, aiming to contribute to its growth and development.

Current Engagements:
Mr. Van Der Ross is fully dedicated to his roles at the State Diamond Trader and the Kimberley Diamond and Jewellery Incubator.

Career Background:

Mr. Shaik Amod embarked on his professional journey as a project engineer at Illovo Sugar LTD’s group technical services division in Durban. At the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), he serves as a Senior Manager, leading multi-billion-rand transactions and engaging with international partners and stakeholders.

Previous Roles:

Represented IDC on numerous boards

Board member of Unisa SBL and an AltX listed company for several years

Part of KDJI negotiation team to China to establish market offtake for SA produced jewellery

Educational Background:

Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree (B.Sc. Eng) from the University of Natal (now UKZN)

Chartered Financial Analyst (USA)

Diploma in Financial Management (Damelin)

Completed Director Development programs at the Institute of Directors of Southern Africa (IODSA)