Marole leaves Debswana in December

Staff Writer | Friday November 12, 2010 00:00

 

Information reaching Mmegi from sources in government and De Beers, the two joint owners of Debswana, indicate that the parties have agreed on the terms of Marole's departure. It is believed that the deal is generally sealed and is only waiting to be rubber-stamped at a De Beers ordinary meeting to be held in London next week.

While both parties have been tight-lipped on the matter and cannot even confirm the deal, Mmegi understands that Marole will go away with a golden handshake of not less than P10 million. The Debswana chief recently started his second five-year term.

It is understood that pressure for Marole to quit came primarily from the government. Some cite performance issues but others say his record is unblemished. Those in Marole's corner say he is just a fall guy and a victim of high level sword and dagger politics of senior civil servants. It is even alleged that some senior civil servants had mining interests at small mines where they had wanted Debswana to give them work and Marole is understood to have refused. His refusal is said to have precipitated his downfall. The Minister for Minerals, Energy and Water Resources Ponatshego Kedikilwe was not available to comment yesterday. But sources close to him  say he has been surprised by the manner in which senior government officials and the Debswana board have moved to force out Marole.