In the Zulu language, there is a proverb that goes:
“Indlela ibuzwakwahnphamhili” meaning “Those who have gone before are the ones who can show the path”
As the Co-Founders and Owners (Desmond Ratsoma & Robin Bhebhe) of OCGems, we set our heart, mind, and soul from the very beginning to build a company that will last for generations to come.
Not only last but bring about a positive impact on its surrounding community for generations to come. Therefore, as the proverb above advises it became immediately important to seek mentors in our industry who have already walked the path we seek to take. To our greatest honour and privilege, we had to look no further.
President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses & past Chairman of Diamond Dealers Club South Africa – Ernie Blom
I (Robin), met Mr. Blom in 2015 at the Diamond lndaba in Johannesburg, South Africa
I remember it like it was yesterday, approaching Mr. Blom with a business card that was printed off an A4 piece of paper with a picture of a diamond we had just gotten off the internet.
At that point & time, OCGems was non-operational and literally had RI00 ($7) in the bank account, no machinery/equipment, no track record, and a mere business plan. Nevertheless, that didn’t matter as Mr. Blom took us seriously from the very beginning.
Immediately he opened up his door to us and offered to assist in any way possible. We received our very first letter of support/intent from him without having produced a single stone. At that time, I’m a naive 21-year-old who just completed a course in diamond cutting & polishing but is ready to take on the World.
No work experience whatsoever and very limited knowledge of how the industry operates. It was absolutely mind-boggling and it still is till today, how a man of Mr. Blom’s stature and reputation could make time for us. To be honest, we had nothing to offer but a dream so big you would have thought we were crazy.
l remember in our very first meeting he shared a story about his humble beginnings. After working on the bench for some time, he then decided to start his own diamond cutting & polishing company. Mr. Blom went ahead and invested the RI0,000.00 he had saved up into the business, which was a lot of money at that time.
Long story short, the very first deal went sideways and he lost all the money. A very critical and important time in his life as he contemplated on giving up. Don’t we contemplate so many times on giving up when life throws us curve balls?
Nevertheless, Mr. Blom never gave up and went on to accomplish extraordinary achievements such as:
- Honorary Life President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses
- Chairman of the Diamond Dealers Club of South Africa
- Chairman of the Diamond Council of South Africa
- Chairman of the Diamond and Jewellery Federation of South Africa
- Founding Member of the World Diamond Council
- Member of the Diamond and Precious Metals Regulator of South Africa
- Board Member of CIBJO
I asked him: “looking back at what you’ve accomplished over the decades, what goes through your mind when you think back to that period of your life at the beginning of your career?”
A: Work hard, lead by example and always remember no one is too important to be kind to another person.
Furthermore: “what is your message to the young generation today with all their big dreams and ambitions to change the world?”
A: If it was easy everyone would do it. Hang in there and persevere.
Today as we look back too, we are extremely grateful for this relationship. The fruit that has come from this relationship speaks for itself as OCGems is now operational and showcasing its brand globally.
“There are a few more people who have played very influential and prominent roles in our lives. So make sure to subscribe to our newsletters in order to learn more about them and the great life-lessons taught. Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”