GETTING TO KNOW

Getting to know… the Diamond Council’s Joyce Bennett

Bennett is no stranger to the industry, having been at the Diamond Council of South Africa for 22 years. She tells us what she loves most about the industry, her personal philosophy and her journey to recovery after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

Where did you grow up and go to school?

I grew up in Johannesburg and attended Athlone Girls’ High School. In the late 1970s/early ’80s my husband and I spent seven years in London, where we were involved in the fashion industry. We returned to SA because our parents were ageing and needed us near them.

I then worked in the mining industry until the gold price dropped drastically and I was retrenched.

How long have you been involved in the diamond industry?

I started working at the Diamond Secretariat in 1998.

How did you enter it?

I was employed by Alan Wedcliffe, who was running the Secretariat. He eventually emigrated to Israel. The Secretariat shared offices with the Jewellery Council of SA for a number of years at that time.

What do you love most about the industry?

Definitely the people who work in it. They’re truly passionate about what they manufacture and sell.

How has the industry changed since 1998?

Over the 22 years that I’ve been in the industry – particularly the past five ones – I’ve seen major changes in it. The main one is probably the shrinking of the manufacturing side of the industry.

What is your personal philosophy?

“Do your best at all times. You can’t do more than that.”

What’s your favourite recreation?

Dining at my favourite restaurant, followed by a visit to the theatre or cinema.

Who’s your biggest inspiration?

Our late former President Nelson Mandela always inspired me with his humility and kindness.

You were recently diagnosed with COVID-19. Can you share the experience with us?

On 19 June, I started losing my voice. I contacted my doctor, who couldn’t see me physically and advised me to go for a COVID-19 test. The result was positive and my doctor told me to self-isolate for 14 days and dose myself with any flu medication.

I found the kindness of my colleagues and family really helpful. I also received a phone call each day from the Department of Health asking how I felt. There’s nothing shameful about contracting the virus and one really needs support.

I was fortunate enough not to have respiratory problems, but sometimes I wondered whether I’d ever recover. I completely lost my appetite. After about 10 days, I woke up one morning feeling well again. It was a real relief! On the 14th day of my self-isolation, I went for another test – which was negative – and was pronounced fully recovered from the virus.