The anniversary was celebrated under the theme, 'More than Diamond Mining,’ to underscore Debswana's significant role in Botswana's modern development beyond mining activities. The ceremony was attended by workers from OLDM, its business partners, and community leaders from across the country. The event was characterised by storytelling from employees and stakeholders, highlighting how the diamond company has influenced their lives. Speaking at the event, OLDM General Manager Mogakolodi Maoketsa said since its inception, the company has done a lot to change the lives of Batswana. “The story of Debswana is a story of transformation, I must reiterate. Since the 1970s, we have unearthed many opportunities and facilitated the enrichment of lives.
We have contributed to every sector of the economy directly and indirectly. We have created employment for thousands of Batswana, and improved livelihoods,” he said. Maoketsa added: “Through our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes, we have positively contributed to sports development, enhancement and development of health and education facilities and services, skills development programmes to enable community members to access diverse jobs, positively impacted conservation and biodiversity. We have been leading in the promotion of the empowerment of Women, Girls and differently-abled people including enterprise development to name but just a few.” Maoketsa highlighted that in Boteti, the tangible results of Debswana's commitment were evident in infrastructure projects that supported local education and healthcare amongst others. “We are proud of the several infrastructure projects that we have funded in the education space to support the district.
These include the construction of classrooms and an administration block at Mokoboxane Primary School, a classroom Block at Supang Primary School as well as five fully furnished classrooms at Seaseole Primary School, classrooms at Orapa Junior Secondary School, Tsienyane Special Education Classroom Block to name but a few,” he said. He added that the company is working on a new project due to begin soon which entails the construction of a classroom block at Mmea Primary School where P2.6 million has been committed. In health, Debswana spends a substantial amount of money every year offering health services to community members, according to Maoketsa. “In addition, we are also proud of the multi-million maternity ward we funded to the tune of P5.3 million at Letlhakane Primary Hospital to ease congestion and improve access to high-quality healthcare for the people of Boteti,” he said. “There is a new project in the pipeline we are going to be funding, the refurbishment of a theatre at Rakops Primary Hospital for P4.2 million to improve clinical outcomes of emergencies in Boteti.” Currently, Rakops Primary Hospital does not offer theatre services but refers to other hospitals.
Maoketsa expressed heartfelt gratitude to all employees, past and present, as well as business partners. "Without their hard work and unwavering commitment, we would not be where we are today," he said. Boteti District Commissioner, Ewetse Selelo, acknowledged the positive contribution that Debswana has had in the district. “OLDM has been a catalyst for the development of Boteti District through its economic contributions, community, and infrastructural development projects, Debswana has indeed played a pivotal role in transforming our district into a thriving community over and above its contribution to the national GDP,” he said.
He promised that government authorities in the district would continue collaborating with OLDM to ensure that the benefits of diamond mining are felt. Debswana is currently running a campaign through print, broadcast, and social media with a special focus on exploring, highlighting, and celebrating human experiences because of diamonds. Notably through the campaign, the company’s stakeholders, employees, and external stakeholders share their Debswana diamond stories and showcase the effect Debswana has had on livelihoods.
