De Beers suspends online auctions as sales sink deeper
Friday, October 13, 2023 | 520 Views |
Tricky times: Diamonds prices and sales are down by double digits this year PIC: AFRICANIAN.COM
De Beers sells 90% of its production by value to an exclusive list of contract buyers known as sightholders, who are offered stones at 10 sales events or 'sights' held in Gaborone each year.
The balance is sold via auction to more than 900 registered buyers.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...