SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Describe the history of the diamond processing industry 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253837  Describe the history of the diamond processing industry 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Mining and Minerals 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
110123  Describe the history of the diamond processing industry  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is useful for people who intend following a career in the diamond processing sector, or who intend to interact with the role-players in the industry.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Describe the stages of development of the diamond processing industry.
  • Identify the main diamond processing countries and describe their evolution.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of famous diamond gemstones.

    The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth of the mining and minerals sector, particularly in the aspect of beneficiation.

    This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding of the diamond processing industry in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communications and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope and context applies to the conversion of rough diamond gemstones into cut and polished diamond gemstones for sale into local and international markets. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the stages of development of the diamond processing industry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The formation of diamonds is described and the ways they can be mined are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ancient sources of diamonds are listed and their role in society explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The origins of diamond processing are described and the relationship of historic polishing techniques is related to modern practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The evolution of processing techniques is described in terms of technology development. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify the main diamond processing countries and describe their evolution. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The main diamond mining countries are identified and their role in the industry explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The main diamond processing countries are identified and the origin of their role in the industry is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The evolution of the distribution chain for diamonds is explained in terms of key events and personalities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The roles of current diamond producing countries are explained in terms of processing applications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate knowledge of famous diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Famous diamond gemstones are identified by name and origin. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Famous diamond gemstones must include:
  • The Cullinan.
  • The Koh-I-Noor.
  • The Mogul and the Orlov.
  • The Shah.
  • The Hope.
  • The Tiffany.
  • The Jubilee.
  • The Sancy.
  • The Premier Rose.
  • The Golden Jubilee.
  • The Centenary.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The significance of famous diamonds is explained in terms of their role in shaping the development of the industry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of famous diamonds is explained in terms of processing techniques. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard.

    Knowledge relating to the history of the industry:
  • Understanding the formation of diamonds.
  • Understanding there are different methods of extraction of diamonds.
  • Understanding the evolution of diamond processing.
  • Understanding the significance of events in the development of the industry.

    Economic significance of diamond trading:
  • Understanding the impact on world economy of the industry.
  • Recognising the intrinsic nature of perceived value of diamonds.
  • Awareness of the extent to which diamonds can affect the economies of certain countries.

    Communication:
  • Reporting requirements and ability.
  • Communicating with relevant authorities.
  • Liaison with associated operations and personnel. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Note:
  • The ability and willingness of the learner to interact with other members of the industry to ensure acquire information and insight about the industry. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to analyse, record and report the information about the industry to ensure understanding and context about the industry, its structures and its operations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to understand the importance of each aspect of the supply chain in grasping the operation of the industry. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 110123, "Describe the history of the diamond processing industry", Level 1, 2 credits.

    Terminology:

    Specified Requirements:

    Specified requirements include legal and site-specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:

    Legal:
  • The Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry Main Agreement.
  • Regulations of the Diamonds Act, No 56 of 1986, as amended.
  • The glossary of terms about the terminology of the industry issued by the Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry.

    Site-Specific:
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Working Guides, tariff agreements, policies and procedures.

    Unit Standard Justification:

    Level:

    Attribute; Level; Justification:
  • Skills; This unit standard is knowledge based.
  • Procedures; This unit standard is knowledge based.
  • Context; Level 1; The context is confined to the history of the industry.
  • Knowledge; Level 2; Knowledge is related to the development of processes in the industry.
  • Information processing; Level 2; Information is readily available but application requires some variety.
  • Problem Solving; No problem solving is involved.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 2; Follows instructions to acquire the knowledge but must carry out own research.
  • Application of responsibility; This is self acquisition of knowledge.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; No responsibility for the work or learning of others.

    Average Level = 7/4 = 1.75.
    Actual Level Assigned = 2.

    Credits:

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcome:

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 8 Hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 0 Hours.
  • Mentoring required; 2 Hours.
  • Other (Home study); 12 Hours.

    Total = 20.

    Credits Achieved = 20/10 = 2.0.
    Credits Assigned = 2.

    Justification for number of specific outcomes:

    This is a knowledge-based standard requiring the learner to understand the development of the industry in order to appreciate the scope of the industry they are engaged in. It is not appropriate to combine this learning with other standards. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  59851   National Certificate: Diamond Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Elective  64909   National Certificate: Small Scale Mining  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. ASSMANG (PTY) LTD 
    2. ASSMANG BEESHOEK MINE 
    3. BAFOKENG RASIMONE MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTY LTD 
    4. BARBERTON MINES (PTY) LTD 
    5. DE BEERS SIGHTHOLDER SALES SOUTH AFRICA PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    6. DIAMOND EDUCATION COLLEGE CC 
    7. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    8. HARRY OPPENHEIMER DIAMOND TRAINING SCHOOL NPC 
    9. KUMBA IRON ORE (SISHEN) 
    10. MMTI Holdings 
    11. MURRAY & ROBERTS CEMENTATION (PTY)LTD 
    12. NLP MINERALS COLLEGE 
    13. SOWETO DIAMOND ACADEMY 
    14. THE KIMBERLEY INTERNATIONAL DIAMONDAND JEWELLERY ACADEMY 
    15. ZUREL PRIVATE COLLEGE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.