13 Apr 2016

 Barclays Bank managing director, Ms Reinette van der Merwe, says when she first assumed office two and a half years ago, one of her primary objectives was to ensure that the bank support industries that contribute to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.

Ms van der Merwe said the bank had moved significant milestones in the diamond sector from mining to manufacturing.

Speaking at Diamond Sightholders Dinner organised by Barclays Bank, Ms van der Merwe said to date, the manufacturing portfolio of the bank’s total asset book stood at 20 per cent.

“I would like to thank Debswana and other emerging mines such as Karowe and Gaghoo for the contributions they have made,” she said.

She thanked De Beers Global Sightholders (DBGSS) Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) and all sightholders who made a significant contribution in uplifting the lives of Batswana and all others across the globe.

Ms van der Merwe further thanked Botswana for specifically driving the diamond beneficiation programme seeking to create a world class diamond hub, which would chiefly transfer skills and provide employment to Batswana.

“This is evident through the relocation of the sales function from London to Botswana which further led to a number of factories being set up in Botswana. I also want to add that 2015 was a very challenging year for the diamond industry, however, your unwavering support and resilience forged ahead,” she said.

She indicated that the heart-warming testimonies from beneficiaries that have grown and become a critical part of the fabric of the industry are also testament to the values that are very close to Barclays Bank of Botswana.

“I want to assure everyone here present this evening that customers will remain at the centre of everything we do. Our obligation is to run a great bank, to make banking safer and sounder and to achieve that we will continue to explore and pursue partnerships that will deliver the objective,” said the MD.

She added that as a leading bank in Botswana, the confidence placed on them is humbling and for the past 65 years the bank has remained consistent in delivering its mandate to its customers and shareholders, which is a great achievement that has placed the bank ahead of the rest in the financial services space. ENDS