Botswana diamond workers bleed

Friday, February 20, 2015

For the diamond-cutting industry in Botswana, the news last week could hardly have been much worse. In January, the press reported that diamond cutters MotiGanz and Leo Schachter had laid off 150 workers. Then last week a bombshell was dropped – the Teemane Manufacturing Company, owned by Diarough, would close, with the loss of about 320 jobs in Serowe.

It is the biggest employer in the village and the consequences will be felt for years to come – about 2 000 people are dependents of those employed in the industry. With a total reported employment in the diamond cutting and polishing industry of 3 750 in 2014, this is a massive retrenchment.

In 2013, Botswana is reported to have exported polished diamonds worth 6.6-billion pula (R7.9-billion).

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

The media should not blink, they must hold power to account

SPENCER MOGAPI |
14 May 2026

When neutrality looks like taking sides: The Red Cross, separatists and a crisis of trust

JEAN dÁMOUR MUG |
07 May 2026

The quiet return of media capture in Botswana

Thomas Nkhoma |
03 April 2026

Moagi's wealth trail laid bare as trial continues

Larona Makhaiza | 18 h ago

'IT COULD FINALLY BE ENGLAND'S TIME': BERBATOV'S WORLD CUP VERDICT AS FOOTBALL'S BIGGEST STAGE COMES ALIVE

staff writer | 2d ago

Witness defends alleged Moagi-linked ‘corrupt’ tender

Larona Makhaiza | 23 h ago

St. George’s University to host special ceremony in Gaborone

staff writer | 23 h ago

Nando’s gives young artists a canvas to shine

Laone Choeunyane | 23 h ago

Clash of events exposes karate cracks

Calistus Kolantsho | 23 h ago

Last-minute race to raise funds for CUCSA Games

Calistus Kolantsho | 1d ago

Sunbet dumps Rollers, eyes GU premier deal

Kabelo Boranabi | 1d ago

Get back what was stolen, and lock the door

That a single private law firm pocketed P6.5 million for just four cases, out of a total P11.1 million paid for 25 matters, reeks of a system that was not merely disorganised but open to abuse.Bayford has taken a welcome first step by telling the Public Accounts Committee the truth. Now he must act decisively to ensure it never happens again and that any money lost to wrongdoing is recovered.The figures are staggering. Whilst ordinary Batswana...

The Monitor Editor | 23 June 2026

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.