Alumni Profile of  Violet Gabisile Similane

When did you start and finish at Tsogo?

I started grade 7 in 1991 and matriculated in 1996

Where did you do your other schooling?

Manamelong Primary School in Winterveld

What further education institutions did you attend?

I went on to further my studies at Rand Afrikaans University (now the University of Johannesburg). First completing a Bachelor of Science majoring in Chemistry and Geology. Followed by an Honor’s degree in Science majoring in Geology. I then completed a Master of Science degree specialising in Geochemistry and Geochronology at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.

What do you currently do?

I am currently employed by De Beers,  as a Geologist and Project Manager. De Beers sponsored my tertiary education. I joined the De Beers as a Geologist-in-Training, was later permanently employed as an Exploration Geologist, and am currently the Project Manager for one of their most important projects at De Beers Holdings Botswana, on behalf of Debswana (The largest diamond producer by value).

I have travelled extensively throughout South Africa. I have been to most dorpies and some corners I never knew existed, test my trivia on different towns. I am thankful that, in the seven years that I have worked for De Beers, I have travelled and worked in the following countries:

- Canada (sub-arctic temperatures),
- Germany,
- Guinea (Tropical Forest),
- Namibia (Think Kalahari Desert),
- Botswana (Current Location)

What is inspires your?

I am my own role model! I set my standards and I can only strive to beat my own record, as at the end of the day I only have myself to deal with.

Message to Alumni

Keep on flying the Tsogo High flag; DIAMONDS have most certainly come out of the ROUGH!

Message to current Students

My motto is hard work and a bit of luck plays a role in for a successful career, the more you work the better you become at your game. Networking in my experience is the cherry on top. That is it seals the deal because word travels in every industry and one needs to

More importantly when given a task or project what is expected of you is the deliverables!

Achievements you would like to highlight

- Acquiring a bursary from De Beers to sponsor my Tertiary education
- Acquiring funding from the Mellon Postgraduate fund to sponsor my Masters Degree
- Spending 6 months at the Carnegie Institute of Washington (a private laboratory in Washington D.C. in the U.S.A., amongst some of the smartest scientist there are in this world
- The pleasure of visiting several countries through De Beers