10 Feb 2016

Lucara Diamond has named its 1 111 carats record breaking diamond which was mined at Karowe Mine in November last year, Lesedi La Rona.

The magnificent stone is the world’s second largest gem quality diamond ever recovered and the largest in Botswana.

The name was selected after a nationwide competition launched by the company last month.

The winning name was provided by Ms Thembani Moitlhobogi who got P25 000 cash reward.

Ms Naseem Banu Lahri, the company’s chief financial officer, explained during a media briefing on Tuesday that the name ‘Lesedi La Rona’ was chosen from over 11 000 entries.

Ms Lahri said the audit firm Ernst & Young was engaged to ensure transparency and independence during the name selection process. 

“The judging panel consisted of a total of five executives from both Lucara and the Karowe mine. Lucara diamonds congratulates Moitlhobogi and thanks everyone who took part in the competition,” she said.

The reason advanced for the winning name, she said, was because the diamond is the pride, light and hope for Batswana since they are the backbone of the country’s economy. Ends