Low turn out for Big Brother auditions
Monday, March 18, 2013

The auditions that took place on Friday and Saturday at President Hotel somewhat had a cold and dull atmosphere. The hopefuls, who had come to try their luck to be the next contestant to represent Botswana at the BBA competition that is billed to start on May 26, did not seem enthusiastic to try their luck.
The Friday auditions however had a promising turnout compared to the Saturday auditions. Although the room hosting the hopefuls before they went to the actual audition room was not full to capacity, only a few empty chairs could be seen.
Instead, it has sparked a storm of accusations, denials, and unresolved questions about the influence of De Beers on the nation’s politics. Former president Mokgweetsi Masisi’s claims that the diamond giants bankrolled his removal to dodge taxes – and that the new Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) government watered down a favourable diamond deal – are explosive matters. But without evidence, they risk becoming a toxic distraction from...