Official Launch of "South Africa: Platinum Centenary Commemoration" Logo

Today, the world witnesses a significant milestone in the history of South Africa's platinum industry with the official unveiling of the Platinum Centenary Commemoration logo. This global event, held in Rustenburg, the City of Platinum, is part of the ongoing Platinum Centenary celebrations that commenced in Cape Town in February 2024, in the margins of the Mining Indaba 2024. The launch event was graced by school students from several schools in the area, organised by The Platinum Incubator (TPI) at Orbit College in Rustenburg as part of the PGM Awareness Week.

Dr. Ashok Damarupurshad had the privilege of presenting at this significant event. He shared the inspiring journey of South Africa’s platinum industry and encouraged students to engage creatively with the theme of the Platinum Centenary: “South Africa: Land of Platinum.” The day's highlight, and a moment of great significance, was when Mr. Cecil Khosa, the CEO of SADPMR, unveiled the Platinum Centenary logo.

Inspiration Behind the Logo Design

The Platinum Centenary logo visually represents South Africa’s rich platinum heritage and its future in the global PGM market. Here are the key elements and the inspiration behind the design:

1. Pt – The Abbreviation for Platinum: The logo prominently features the abbreviation "Pt," symbolising platinum. This represents the precious metal and proudly signifies South Africa's undisputed global leadership in platinum production.
2. Parallel Dark and Light Brown Lines: The letters "P" and "t" distinctive designs incorporate parallel dark and light brown lines. These lines are inspired by the unique, layered rock formations of the Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC). The BIC is the world’s largest mafic, igneous rock geological structure, stretching over 65,000 square kilometres across the North-West, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga provinces. These parallel layers reflect the geological richness and intricate formations of the BIC, which hosts the world's largest deposit of platinum-group metals.
3. Historical Significance – Hans Merensky’s Discovery: 2024 marks the centenary of Geologist Hans Merensky’s discovery of platinum-group metal deposits in the Bushveld Igneous Complex in 1924. This groundbreaking discovery positioned South Africa as the world's leading producer of PGMs, a status it has maintained for a century. The logo commemorates this historic milestone, celebrating a hundred years of platinum production that has profoundly impacted the global economy.
4. Theme and Slogan—"South Africa: Land of Platinum": The theme and slogan, “South Africa: Land of Platinum,” highlight South Africa’s dominant role in the global platinum industry. South Africa's contribution to the PGM market is unparalleled as the largest producer of platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, and iridium. This theme underscores the nation's leadership and commitment to sustaining its preeminence in platinum production for the foreseeable future.

Commemorative Activities and Future Prospects

The unveiling of the Platinum Centenary logo is just one of the many events planned to celebrate this significant milestone. Dr Ashok Damarupurshad’s presentation at the PGM Awareness Week in Rustenburg highlighted various initiatives, including inspiring school students to engage with the theme through storytelling, art, and crafts.

The Platinum Centenary celebrations kicked off in Cape Town on February 4, 2024, at Zeitz MOCAA, during the Mining Indaba. The event featured the unveiling of the Platinum Centenary logo, the distribution of Merensky Reef souvenirs to 40 distinguished guests, and the launch of the Platinum Centenary Platinum Coin, which was presented to Minister Gwede Mantashe.

Looking ahead, South Africa’s dominance in the PGM market remains steadfast. The country continues to lead in global PGM production, contributing significantly to the national GDP and employment. The Bushveld Igneous Complex remains a geological and economic marvel, sustaining the country’s platinum legacy.

Launch of the Platinum Centenary Video

A video celebrating the Platinum Centenary will be available on YouTube from July 2024. The video will offer a visual journey through South Africa's century-long legacy of platinum, highlighting key milestones and prospects. We invite everyone to watch and share this commemorative video, joining us in honouring South Africa’s platinum heritage.

The Platinum Centenary logo launch is paramount in celebrating South Africa’s rich history and bright future in the platinum industry. We look forward to continued celebrations and initiatives that will inspire future generations to carry forward this remarkable legacy.