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Diamond industry mourns passing of the Diamantaire behind Lesedi La Rona

Departed: Kneller
Departed: Kneller

The diamond industry is mourning the passing of Johnny Kneller, one of the renowned experts in the business widely recognised for the cutting and polishing of large stones such as the world second largest diamond, Lesedi La Rona.

Kneller was 75 years old.

Together with Brian Gutkin and Laurence Graff, Kneller was a partner in the manufacturing firm Safdico. Graff bought the 1109 carat Lesedi La Rona for 53$ million in 2017.

Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...

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