Dave Newman, TUT Lecturer and Programme Coordinator for the Jewellery Programme at the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, is the new chairperson of the Jewellery Manufacturers’ Association of South Africa (JMASA).
JMASA is a division of the Jewellery Council of South Africa. Its role is mainly to represent and address the needs of its members in issues affecting the manufacture of jewellery.
Newman says he is greatly honoured to be elected to this position. “It is brilliant to be acknowledged by the senior members of one’s industry as someone who they feel is suitable to represent them, and to be a part of the leadership in the industry. As a person who has background in business, training and education, I’m well positioned to represent the industry from a broader perspective,” he indicates.
He adds that the TUT Jewellery Programme benefits greatly from his involvement in JMASA, as he gets valuable insight in training, developments, technical issues etc. in the sector.
“My involvement has also largely been due to the high quality of our offering, and the subsequent ‘vote of confidence’ in what we do. Our programme has always been highly regarded by industry and our students are in high demand. We’re able to keep our finger on the pulse of the industry, which makes it easier to remain relevant,” he says.
As chairperson, Newman will preside over the Executive Committee of JMASA in terms of convening and running meetings, as well as representing it on the Board of the Jewellery Council of South Africa, among others.
Another feather in his cap was added when he was approached by the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) some time ago to become a technical specialist in the development of goldsmith and setter’s qualifications.
Thereafter, he was co-opted to JMASA’s EXCO to assist with the training and education portfolio, and was part of a sub-committee that developed a Jewellery Council Trade Certificate test. He later became a full EXCO member; and was elected to vice-chairperson last year.
His term of office as chairperson is two years.