INTSIKA JEWELLERY PROJECT FOR STUDENTS
Jewellers’ Network had the privilege of attending Richline South Africa’s annual Open Day for Intsika Jewellery Project students, held earlier this month. It was an incredible success, with groups of students coming through on various days to tour the factory and learn about casting and 0all things Richline.
The Intsika Jewellery Project is situated at the Rand Refinery property and the students are supported by MQA funding. The Project was established in 2003 as a hub of excellence to respond to the high rate of unemployment, skills shortage, and lack of establishment of sustainable small business hubs amongst historically disadvantaged groups. Its cutting-edge qualifications are helping create a young and empowered workforce able to produce world-class, locally manufactured and designed jewellery products for the South African and international markets.
Richline South Africa, which has been operational for the past 12 years, is the country’s largest jewellery manufacturer and forms part of the global Richline Group. The attending students at the Open Day were given access and information about the processes at the factory and informative discussions were held with Mark, the workshop manager.
Students were told that the factory receives only large orders from Richline USA or from other local enterprises. Using specialised equipment that is unique to Richline SA, the capacity for the factory averages easier styles of 3000 per day, and every item goes through quality control at each section – if standards aren’t met, the item is scrapped, returned to be melted down once again for pressing, soldering and setting to avoid unnecessary waste.
The processes within the factory are tightly monitored with a stock take being done in every section each day, ensuring every gram of material is accounted for. For production to run smoothly, procedures are followed with discipline, procedures must be followed, targets must be met, and quality needs to be impeccable.
Jewellers’ Network commends Richline SA on its efforts to help students enter the workforce with invaluable knowledge that will assist them on their journey to success.
With a workforce of 80 to 100 employees, strict policies and procedures are in place such as health and safety, emergency evacuation, disciplinary procedures which all employees must adhere to. While every employee has a role and responsibility, they may cross over into other areas of work where needed.
