Debswana sales hit all-time high at P57bn
Friday, February 03, 2023 | 160 Views |
Rich vein: Debswana’s mines have once again rescued the budget and are set to support the return to fiscal stability PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Bank of Botswana data released this week indicates that Debswana’s sales were nearly 50% higher year-on-year, a trend the Finance ministry has attributed to a rebound in global economic activity and sanctions on the world-leading rough diamond producer, Russia, for its invasion of Ukraine.
While Debswana’s full-year production figures for 2022 are due to be confirmed next month, information previously sourced by BusinessWeek indicated that the diamond giant was due to produce 23.6 million carats last year, the highest since 2018. This was despite pressures on output arising from a P1 billion increase in operating costs, particularly around fuel and spares.
As the Botswana National Front (BNF) discusses a policy to place suitably qualified members in strategic positions, the guiding consideration should remain whether an individual is the best person to serve the country. There is nothing wrong with qualified party members applying for public positions. Political affiliation should neither disqualify a capable candidate nor give them an advantage over others. Every Motswana deserves a fair...