Mmegi

What’s next for the diamond deal?

New deal: Boko and De Beers CEO, Al Cook, have already met several times PIC: BWPRESIDENCY
New deal: Boko and De Beers CEO, Al Cook, have already met several times PIC: BWPRESIDENCY

Soon and very soon, both sides say, but precious few details have emerged as to whether the deal being hammered out between De Beers and the Boko administration represents minor service or an overhaul. MBONGENI MGUNI & TIMOTHY LEWANIKA report

In his initial remarks after his ascension to the highest post President Duma Boko, said De Beers had been ready to walk away from its 55-year partnership with Botswana, adding that negotiated deals should not result in one side celebrating and another feeling cheated.

“A proper negotiation involves compromise, where you get a bit of what you wanted, the other person gets a bit,” he said. “Then you have a durable, sustainable agreement. “De Beers was considering walking away, not signing at all, a very dangerous position to be in as a country.”

Editor's Comment
Our digital safety is in our hands

That sounds like good news. But the report also warns that this may simply be because our digital economy is still young, not because we are safe. As more people shop, bank and pay online, criminals will follow.We Batswana do not need a report to tell us that danger is real. Many of us have heard of or fallen victim to KYC scams. A caller impersonates your bank or mobile money provider. They say they need to “verify” your account. They ask...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up