Diamond exports down 50% by Q3
Friday, December 13, 2024 | 350 Views |
Shiny stones: Diamonds have been in a prolonged slump since the third quarter of last year PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Figures released by the Bank of Botswana recently indicate that between January and October, Debswana sold P22.7 billion in rough diamonds, compared to P45.2 billion over the corresponding period in 2023.
Debswana is the country’s primary producer of diamonds, accounting for more than 95% of annual output. Under the current agreement between its shareholders, De Beers and government, Debswana sells 75% of its annual output to the diamond giant and the balance to the state-owned diamond trader, Okavango Diamond Company.
Whilst we join Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU) and other stakeholders in commending the rise in top grades, a testament to the unwavering effort of many teachers and pupils, this progress is fundamentally shadowed by a failing that shames our society. The stark, persistent urban-rural divide is not just a statistic, but an active betrayal of thousands of young Batswana.The figures are a damning indictment. When pass rates in...