Debswana 55 Years of Impact and More Than Diamond Mining

By Lorraine Kinnear

On June 23, 2024, Debswana Diamond Company celebrated Debswana Day, marking 55 years of significant contributions to Botswana’s development under the theme “More Than Diamond Mining.” June, known as “Debswana Month,” is a time for reflecting on the company’s milestones, showcasing its status as one of the most successful private-public partnerships globally.

From its modest beginnings in 1969, Debswana has been a cornerstone of Botswana’s economic transformation. Over the past five and a half decades, the company has demonstrated resilience and revealed Botswana’s vast potential, creating a legacy of undeniable impact.

The theme “More Than Diamond Mining” reflects Debswana’s mission to transcend gem extraction, positively affecting various sectors of the economy and the lives of Batswana.

Debswana’s contributions extend far beyond mining. The company has been instrumental in fostering infrastructure development, enhancing healthcare, creating employment opportunities, and advancing education. Notably, Debswana founded entities such as Botswana Accountancy College, Pula Medical Aid, Broadhurst Primary School, schools in Orapa and Jwaneng, hospitals in Orapa and Jwaneng, Debswana Pension Fund, and Sesiro Insurance Company. Through its partnership with De Beers in Peo Venture Capital, it also funded the establishment of Ba Isago University, Solahart Botswana, Sunday Standard newspaper, and several other enterprises.

Currently, Debswana operates two hospitals in Jwaneng and Orapa, serving over 200,000 patients annually at a cost of P160 million per year. The company ensures that for every hectare of land mined, five hectares remain reserved for conservation. Debswana has also trained over 1,160 Batswana in various fields through its scholarship program, with many beneficiaries studying at top universities worldwide and contributing significantly in Botswana and globally.

As Botswana’s largest private sector employer, Debswana employs nearly 12,000 people directly and has generated over 18,000 jobs through its Citizen Economic Empowerment Programme (CEEP) and Corporate Social Investment Programme. The company aims to support 20,000 jobs in Botswana by the end of 2024.

Debswana’s Managing Director, Andrew Maatla Motsomi, expressed pride in the company’s journey, stating, “The story of Debswana is a story of transformation. We have substantially contributed to enriching and developing the national economy while also intentionally ensuring that we continuously invest in uplifting the lives of Batswana. Through our operational efforts, we have unearthed not just diamonds, but revenues to Government to develop the country and positively impact education opportunities, community development initiatives, and health services. As we reflect on our journey, we are filled with nostalgia and pride. Each milestone reached and every diamond unearthed has been a step towards shaping a brighter future for Botswana.

Our story is one of shared success, built on the collective efforts of our dedicated employees, supportive communities, and steadfast partners. As one of Botswana’s largest employers, we take pride in providing meaningful employment to thousands, supporting livelihoods, and boosting the national economy. We understand the responsibility we hold in this regard.”

Looking forward, Debswana remains committed to driving positive change, championing responsible mining practices, and enhancing its social impact. Motsomi concluded, “As we continue to mine diamonds safely, optimally, and responsibly and reflect on over five decades of ‘More than Diamond Mining,’ we will not only celebrate our operational successes; we will shine a bright light on the human stories that reflect the impact Debswana has had on the lives of Batswana. Each Motswana has a diamond story to tell – from receiving free education, free health services, benefiting from the infrastructure we have across the country, and many more. Together, we will continue to create a legacy that is truly more than diamond mining. Our vision for the next 55 years is clear: to remain a beacon of progress and a catalyst for sustainable development.”