Begging on streets of diamonds

Children often run away from home to escape abuse and poverty
Children often run away from home to escape abuse and poverty

It is one of life’s cruel ironies that Jwaneng, a diamond-rich town producing considerable wealth for the country, also has one of the fastest growing populations of roving streetkids. Mmegi Correspondent, LEBOGANG BAINGAPI reports

JWANENG: Two years ago, Jwaneng Town Council found itself with an embarrassing problem. Multitudes of squatters were roaming the usually tidy town, setting up makeshift structures and scavenging for sustenance in malls, streets and homesteads.

Annually, hundreds of people make the pilgrimage to the mining town with hopes of securing employment at the mine or associated businesses but not everyone is lucky. Some opt not to return home, while others are unable to finance their return trips. Others still opt to stay and scrounge for piece jobs or the seasonal recruitment openings offered by the mine and its contractors.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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