Mr Colin Campbell – a stalwart in our industry and a long-standing and loyal client of Cape Precious Metals – began his career in jewellery in London in 1972. He moved to South Africa in 1982, where he was involved with the Ekurhuleni Jewellery Project from 2008 until his retirement at the end of January 2021. Under his watchful eye, the EJP shepherded over 80 students through their theoretical and practical jewellery skills training programmes, with a successful uptake of over 60% of these students entering full-time positions within the jewellery sector.
He served as chairman of the Jewellery Manufacturing Association of South Africa’s Executive Committee from 2014 to 2018, and during this time he also served on the Executive Committee and Board of the Jewellery Council of South Africa. Members of our industry who had dealings with Colin over the years sent in the following tributes:
“I joined EJP in 2020 as an incubator and when I met Mr C for the first time I was so impressed by his sense of humour and professionalism. He was always available to share skills and experience in the Jewellery field but was also very open to new ideas. He gave me and many other incubators a platform to start our own jewellery businesses on high level as he provided us with necessary help form all sectors.”
~ Ntando Masondo (2010-2012)
“It has always been a pleasure walking into Colin Campbell’s office. He would greet you with his loud voice and a jovial smile and ask ‘what can I do for you?’ I went through the mentorship programme, which Colin headed up at the Rand Refinery. I was always encouraged by Colin’s creative problem solving. His positivity, knowledge and creativity will be missed but I am glad to know that he will be spending more time on his slow and unreliable British Motorcycles.”
~ Argyris A.P Papaeorgiou
“I first met Colin when we were students at the Sir John Cass College of Art in London. We then lost touch as we pursued our careers. Years later we met up in Johannesburg by chance. Our trade and our mutual love of British Motorcycles kept us close together for many years. I wish him all the best in his we deserved retirement.”
~ Julian Precision
Colin, we wish you all the best on your retirement and hope you visit us regularly!
