Marriage ban Cripples Maun economy
Monday, February 24, 2014

Marriages were banned by the Batawana royals from September to March, as the royals declared that families should concentrate on arable farming.
Now various businesses in Maun are up in arms and are trying to force the Batawana Royal family to rescind its decision.
Instead, it has sparked a storm of accusations, denials, and unresolved questions about the influence of De Beers on the nation’s politics. Former president Mokgweetsi Masisi’s claims that the diamond giants bankrolled his removal to dodge taxes – and that the new Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) government watered down a favourable diamond deal – are explosive matters. But without evidence, they risk becoming a toxic distraction from...