Building Forever

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Jan 2024

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Building Forever is a De Beers Group podcast that explores how we’re creating a positive, lasting impact on the world around us – an impact that will endure well beyond the discovery of our last diamond.

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13 recent

January 8, 202414 min

Building Forever – Empowering Artisanal Miners in Sierra Leone

Episode 11: Empowering Artisanal Miners in Sierra Leone In this episode, we’re focusing on the topic of artisanal mining and how, by supporting small-scale miners, we’re helping create a better diamond world for everyone. Artisanal mining accounts for 20 per cent of the global mining industry and so, as market leaders, we’re building the ethical foundations of a fairer industry and making positive change throughout the diamond value chain. We speak to Ruby Stocklin-Weinberg, George Boima Abdulai and Musa Saquee at GemFair, a De Beers group programme based in Sierra Leone. Together they unpack how they’re creating a secure route to market for small-scale miners and helping them get a fair price for their diamonds. Ethical practice, thriving communities, equal opportunity and the natural world are topics teeming with questions – and if you’ve got one for us, we’d love to hear from you. So, if there’s something you think we should discuss in a future episode, do get in touch with us at debeersgroupcommunications@debeersgroup.com. If you’re enjoying the show, please share it with someone you think might enjoy it as well. Never miss another show by following us at Anchor or wherever you subscribe to your podcasts. Today, you’ll learn about: GemFair and its work in Sierra Leone. 02.53 How GemFair training officers are tackling human rights abuses. 06:51 The female miners in Kenema getting a fair price for their diamonds. 08:46 The challenges facing the artisanal mining sector. 11:04 Ruby, George and Musa shout out the people at GemFair making change happen. 13:03. Resources Find out more about GemFair’s work connecting artisanal miners to the global diamond marketplace on its website. Transcript Click here to access a full transcript of this episode.

September 27, 202321 min

Building Forever – Diamonds Doing Good

Episode 10: Diamonds Doing Good In this episode, we find out how natural diamonds are doing good in the countries they’re discovered and – how through them – we’re helping bring Building Forever to life in Namibia. As one of the key contributors to the Namibian economy, we’ll find out how, in partnership with the Namibian government, we’re making a positive impact on the country’s people and communities for decades to come. We speak to Selma Usiku, Projects Geologist in Mineral Resource Management from Debmarine Namibia and Emmarencia Shanglee, Project Manager – Strategic Projects at Namdeb, about their work and how our diamonds are doing good across the region. Ethical practice, thriving communities, equal opportunity and the natural world are topics teeming with questions – and if you’ve got one for us, we’d love to hear from you. So, if there’s something you think we should discuss in a future episode, do get in touch with us at debeersgroupcommunications@debeersgroup.com If you’re enjoying the show, please share it with someone you think might enjoy it as well. Never miss another show by following us at Anchor or wherever you subscribe to your podcasts. Today, you’ll learn about: The natural beauty of Namibia. 02.03 Oranjemund and our positive impact on education. 04:52 The reality of Building Forever in Namibia. 08.33 How diamonds are doing good in the region. 14.38 How we’re continuing to make a positive mark on the region. 17.01 Selma and Emmarencia shout out those colleagues making change happen. 19.48 Transcript Click here to access a full transcript of this episode.

July 28, 202323 min

Building Forever – Climate Action

In this episode, we find out how we’re tackling climate change and nature loss from those who are leading by example. Because while we’re already acting to minimise our operational carbon footprint, everyone has a part to play in moving from words to deeds and adopting more sustainable behaviours. We speak to Elmarie Snyman, Sustainability Officer at Namdeb – Oranjemund, Charlotte Johns, Sustainability Integration Manager, and Alice Kgopana, Safety and Sustainability Manager, Diamond Trading – Botswana, about how they’re making change happen locally while supercharging our efforts across the Group. Ethical practice, thriving communities, equal opportunity and the natural world are topics teeming with questions – and if you’ve got one for us, we’d love to hear from you. So, if there’s something you think we should discuss in a future episode, do get in touch with us at debeersgroupcommunications@debeersgroup.com. If you’re enjoying the show, please share it with someone you think might enjoy it as well. Never miss another show by following us at Anchor or wherever you subscribe to your podcasts. Today, you’ll learn about: · How climate has been impacting our people around the world. 01:28 · What motivates people to take action against climate change. 04:17 · What the Climate Action Team are working on and how it’s transforming words into actions. 07:45 · How we’ve been harnessing Deedster to make an impact and measure progress. 11:26 · How Diamond Trading Botswana is being more sustainable in its Gaborone office. 15:02 · The most important thing Elmarie, Charlotte and Alice each want to achieve over the next 12 months. 18:17 Resources Learn more about what we’re doing to protect the planet by partnering for thriving communities through Building Forever. Transcript Click here to access a full transcript of this episode.

May 22, 202313 min

Building Forever – A Day in the Life of a Forewoman at Venetia Mine

Minisode Two: A Day in the Life of a Forewoman at Venetia Mine In this minisode, we talk to Nkhensani Malongete, a senior forewoman at our Venetia Mine. Nkhensani tells her incredible story as one of the first women to work as a Forewoman at the mine. We also find out how we’re making a real difference in the communities in which we operate. Ethical practice, thriving communities, equal opportunity and the natural world are topics teeming with questions – and if you’ve got one for us, we’d love to hear from you. So, if there’s something you think we should discuss in a future episode, do get in touch with us. You’ll find us at debeersgroupcommunications@debeersgroup.com. If you’re enjoying the show, please share it with someone you think might enjoy it as well. Never miss another show by following us on Anchor or wherever you subscribe to your podcasts. Today, you’ll learn about: Nkhensani’s journey to working at the Venetia Mine. 01:06 An average day for Nkhensani. 06:18 The importance of maintaining a zero-harm environment. 10:24 Tackling water scarcity on site. 11:35 Making a positive impact in local communities. 13:20 Transcript Click here to access a full transcript of this episode.

May 22, 20237 min

Building Forever – How to be an Entrepreneur in South Africa

Minisode One: How to be an Entrepreneur in South Africa In this minisode, we talk to Ditshego Sebudubudu, a 30-year-old entrepreneur living and working in South Africa. Ditshego is the sole director of Kamogelo ya khutso pty (ltd), a courier service contracted at our Venetia Mine. We find out about her journey as an entrepreneur, from her first startup to becoming a contractor, and how training has helped build her business grow. Ethical practice, thriving communities, equal opportunity and the natural world are topics teeming with questions – and if you’ve got one for us, we’d love to hear from you. So, if there’s something you think we should discuss in a future episode, do get in touch with us. You’ll find us at debeersgroupcommunications@debeersgroup.com. If you’re enjoying the show, please share it with someone you think might enjoy it as well. Never miss another show by following us at Anchor or wherever you subscribe to your podcasts. Today, you’ll learn about: Ditshego's business journey. 01:02 How Ditshego’s business has grown. 03:01 The benefits of training and ongoing support. 04:41 Advice for budding entrepreneurs. 05:48 Transcript Click here to access a full transcript of this minisode.

April 25, 202319 min

Building Forever – A Water Wonderland

Episode Eight: A Water Wonderland In this episode, we tell the story of our partnership with National Geographic – Okavango Eternal – which aims to tackle one of the biggest conservation challenges in Africa: preserving the source waters of the delta and the lives they support. We speak to Otsile Mabeo, our Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Government Relations in Botswana, about how – through the partnership – we’re protecting, supporting and amplifying the remarkable story of a water wonderland: the Okavango Delta. Ethical practice, thriving communities, equal opportunity and the natural world are topics teeming with questions – and if you’ve got one for us, we’d love to hear from you. So, if there’s something you think we should discuss in a future episode, do get in touch with us at debeersgroupcommunications@debeersgroup.com. If you’re enjoying the show, please share it with someone you think might enjoy it as well. Never miss another show by following us at Anchor or wherever you subscribe to your podcasts. Today, you’ll learn about: How the delta is under threat – and the challenges those in the region are facing. 01:40 The shared ambitions that are fuelling our partnership with National Geographic. 04:45 How the partnership is boosting the region’s economic prospects. 07:12 The impact the partnership is having locally – and on neighbouring regions, too. 08:24 How we’re amplifying the story of the delta and its people. 10:10 What lies ahead. 11:38 Discussing poling, the mokoro and National Geographic’s documentary ‘Nkashi: Race for the Okavango’. 13:50 Recognising those crucial to the partnership’s success – and final thoughts. 16:37 Resources Learn more about how we’re partnering for thriving communities through programmes such as Okavango Eternal; a combined effort with National Geographic to tackle one of the biggest conservation challenges in Africa. Transcript Click here to access a full transcript of this episode.

October 18, 202229 min

Building Forever – Climate, Carbon Neutrality and Nature-Based Solutions

Episode Seven: Climate, Carbon Neutrality and Nature-Based Solutions In this episode, we talk about climate, carbon neutrality and nature-based solutions – and how, through partnering with pioneering start-ups, we’re using plant power to combat climate change and boost ocean health. We talk to Kirsten Hund, De Beers’ Head of Carbon Neutrality, to find out more about our own approach and how, along with carbon-sequestering leaders Kelp Blue, we’re making an even greater impact by capturing carbon off the coast of Namibia. Ethical practice, thriving communities, equal opportunity and the natural world are topics teeming with questions – and if you’ve got one for us, we’d love to hear from you. So if there’s something you think we should discuss in a future episode, do get in touch with us. You’ll find us at debeersgroupcommunications@debeersgroup.com or reach out on Twitter, @debeersgroup, using the hashtag #BuildingForever If you’re enjoying the show, please share it with someone you think might enjoy it as well. Never miss another show by following us at  Anchor or wherever you subscribe to your podcasts. Today, you’ll learn about: · The concept of climate smart recovery – 01:25 · What we’re doing to reduce our emissions – 03:43 · How we can use nature-based solutions to remove carbon from the atmosphere – 06:33 · Kelp Blue Co-Founder Caroline Slootweg tells us about the pioneering start-up – 09:10 · How De Beers Group and Kelp Blue joined forces – 14:40 · How the partnership is making a greater impact by partnering for thriving communities – 18:55 Resources Find out more about Kelp Blue’s purpose and vision Explore De Beers’ Building Forever goals Transcript Click here to access a full transcript of this episode.

September 9, 202234 min

Building Forever – Black is Brilliant

Episode Six: Black is Brilliant In this episode, we’re turning the spotlight on Black is Brilliant – our partnership with Hollywood-based advocacy group RAD that celebrates black excellence by combining red carpet impact with philanthropy and social change. Black is Brilliant connects Black jewellers with top celebrity stylists to create bespoke jewellery using responsibly sourced natural diamonds from Botswana. We speak to Sally Morrison, our Black is Brilliant Programme Lead, and Catherine Sarr, founder and designer of jewellery brand, Almasika, about this remarkable initiative. We also talk to our colleagues Ruben and Hilario in Anglo American about their background and lives; breaking down self-imposed prejudices, having a voice that feels genuinely heard and a network that actively supports diversity. Ethical practice, thriving communities, equal opportunity and the natural world are topics teeming with questions – and if you’ve got one for us, we’d love to hear from you. So, if there’s something you think we should discuss in a future episode, do get in touch with us. You’ll find us at debeersgroupcommunications@debeersgroup.com or reach out on Twitter, @debeersgroup, using the hashtag #BuildingForever If you’re enjoying the show, please share it with someone you think might enjoy it as well. Never miss another show by following us at Anchor or wherever you subscribe to your podcasts. Today, you’ll learn about: How we can promote visibility of talented black designers at exclusive, largely inaccessible, high impact social events. 03:05 The difficulty of ‘breaking’ Hollywood as designer and how the initiative helps to build relationships between designers and stylists. 04:58 How the collaboration between designer and stylist amplifies creativity, while the ethical nature and origin of diamonds used adds inspiration 06:49 How the short-term impact of designers of colour hitting the red carpet grows long term relationships between designers, stylists and stars 09:36 The power of designing with the diamond and its origin story in mind 14:20 Accelerating opportunity is built into De Beers’ business, embodied by the Building Forever story 18:13 How systemic racism inhabits the soul, holding you back without you even knowing it 23:36 The role of the Origins Network to celebrate diversity in all its forms, challenge prejudice and promote respect 27:57 That minority voices are afraid to speak out, so leadership needs to promote safe spaces 30:10 However unintentionally, feelings of cultural inferiority are often echoed by institutions and parents, these chains need to be untied 31:59 Resources Learn more about the Black is Brilliant programme and the remarkable work being done to bring designers of colour to the forefront of the entertainment industry by visiting the RAD website here. Transcript Click here to access a full transcript of this episode.

April 13, 202239 min

Building Forever – Women in STEM

Episode Five: Women in STEM In this episode we talk to Hayley McLeod, Emily Smyth and Jenna Lyons – three of 60 brilliant women who’ve received scholarships through our partnership with UN Women, to study STEM subjects at Canadian universities. They talk about how they challenge societal preconceptions and biases as they make their way through higher education in STEM-specific subjects. Our scholarship programme is part of our commitment to engage more than 10,000 young women in STEM by 2030. We’re doing this in close collaboration with UN Women and fellow partner WomEng in Southern Africa. We also hear from Pamela Cook Ellemers, Principal Mineral Resource Manager for De Beers Canada, whose passion and enthusiasm for women in STEM – and the scholarship programme she helped kick off – shines through in this insightful and heartfelt discussion. Ethical practice, thriving communities, equal opportunity and the natural world are topics teeming with questions – and if you’ve got one for us, we’d love to hear it. So, if there’s something you think we should discuss in a future episode, do get in touch with us. You can email us at debeersgroupcommunications@debeersgroup.com or reach out on Twitter, @debeersgroup, using the hashtag #BuildingForever. And if you’re enjoying the show, please share it with someone you think might enjoy it as well. Never miss another show by following us at Anchor, or wherever you subscribe to your podcasts. Today, you’ll learn about: · Differing attitudes, both positive and negative, that women taking STEM subjects experience, across communities and programmes (03:55) · How your background and upbringing can strongly influence your career path, and even be something you must challenge to progress (06:43) · The impact of a scholarship on someone from a rural community – good grades can only take you so far (08:51) · Parents and mentors as powerful role models (10:00) · The role of internships and work experience in extending your STEM knowledge (13:12) · Tackling mental health in rural communities as a career path (15:00) · How male attitudes to women in STEM are improving, but still have a way to go (16:57) · That meeting and becoming part of a wider ‘women in STEM’ community is one of the true benefits of the scholarship (18:12) · How embracing failure fosters learning (20:25) · That establishing STEM programmes at school level should be a key part of giving back to your community when you qualify (22:28) · How one summer job can change your whole direction (25:17) · How more women in the field provides a diversity of perspectives (27:27) · The difference a good male mentor or ally can make (28:58) · The amazing work being done in partnership with UN Women (32:13) · The Make your Mark project, profiling women in the mining industry and their diverse roles, to inspire schoolgirls seeking STEM careers (36:29). Resources To find out more about our partnership with UN Women and WomEng, and how we’re progressing with our goal of engaging more than 10,000 young women in STEM by 2030, click here. Transcript Click here to access a full transcript of this episode.

August 19, 2021Episode 423 min

Building Forever – Partnering For Thriving Communities

Episode Four: Partnering for Thriving Communities In this episode, we talk about Partnering for Thriving Communities. It’s an initiative we hope will be a catalyst for a step-change in skills and help improve health and livelihoods in our host countries. We talk to Dr. Tshepo Sedibe, Senior Occupational Health Manager, about HIV, AIDS and TB, and how De Beers has made a positive impact on local communities. We also answer one of our listeners’ burning questions on Partnering for Thriving Communities. Ethical practice, thriving communities, equal opportunity and the natural world are topics teeming with questions – and if you’ve got one for us, we’d love to hear from you. So if there’s something you think we should discuss in a future episode, do get in touch with us. You’ll find us at debeersgroupcommunications@debeersgroup.com or reach out on Twitter, @debeersgroup, using the hashtag #BuildingForever If you’re enjoying the show, please share it with someone you think might enjoy it as well. Never miss another show by following us at ANCHOR. Today, you’ll learn about: HIV and De Beers – the start of the journey 02:13 Partnering for Thriving Communities – the first treatment, care and support workplace programme of its kind 03:58 Making life-saving drugs available 07:45 The improving survival rates of people with HIV and AIDS 09:17 The key to reducing TB cases 12:43 Looking at ways to eliminate HIV 15:13 Coping with Covid-19 17:10 This week’s burning question – how have we supported our communities during the pandemic? 19:52 Resources Find out more about Partnering for Thriving Communities Read more about how De Beers is approaching HIV and AIDS prevention Learn about our COVID-19 response Explore De Beers’ Building Forever goals Transcript Click here to access a full transcript of this episode.