02 Jun 2019

As finite as diamonds are, the indelible footprints of these precious stones in Botswana and the role they  play in the development of its people are both endearing and inspiring. 

When Botswana gained sovereign status in 1966, the country had minimal literacy and widespread poverty.

But fate had other plans for the landlocked country and its people as just a year after independence, diamonds were discovered at Orapa and the country’s destiny changed forever.

Similarly, the story of Botswana’s First lady Neo Masisi and diamonds is just as inspiring.

Like the Setswana saying ‘Mosadi o tshwara thipa ka fa bogaleng’, simply explained to mean that a mother would go to all lengths in protecting her child, Mma Atsile as she is affectionately called, shared with the audience Botswana’s diamond story and it’s positive impact in the economic development of the country and her own life.

“Like a diamond I am unique, my story is shaped by my journey and like all women, I am not one thing,” she said when addressing the luxury diamond industry magnates during a breakfast show in Las Vegas, US recently. 

For her, diamonds have represented hope for a better future, growth and development.

A beneficiary of the Debswana scholarship fund ultimately working for the Debswana Company in her yesteryears, Ms Masisi narrated Botswana’s diamond story from an informed perspective. 

She said Botswana had made diamonds work in every conceivable manner, making a positive impact in the economic development and symbolic sense.

“Going through a journey that continues to experience the magic of diamonds in so many ways, the most essential things that make diamonds so beautiful are all those elements that even rocket science cannot explain. 

They are a shining symbol of national achievement, success, hope and national pride, progress, stability, inclusion and development, just as much as they are a symbol of personal love, partnership and commitment,” she said.

“Diamonds are the beds in our hospitals, the miles of tarmac on which we drive our vehicles and the desks in our classrooms, the food on our tables and the providence for our future generations.” 

She informed the audience that Botswana diamonds were ethically sourced, mined, clean and that they were rare. Ms Masisi further said diamonds continued to serve as Botswana’s engine of growth, but reminded Batswana that every time a diamond was sold, it meant one few left of precious and limited supply beneath the ground. 

Thus Botswana’s inspirational story formed part of the JCK Las Vegas Trade Show as diamond magnates got intrigued by how Botswana diamonds proceeds were responsibly invested on Batswana and how Botswana continued to be the shining example of what good diamonds could do in a country that invested the resources so well.

Meanwhile, during an interview following the breakfast show, she said her role as diamond ambassador entailed creating awareness among stakeholders such as manufacturers, polishers and those who buy diamonds. 

She said Botswana had always remained a hidden gem and that as an ambassador she would tell the world Botswana’s profound diamond story. 

“They need to know the stories behind these precious stones,” she said. 

Meanwhile DeBeers CEO, Mr Bruce Cleaver said it was a privilege to have somebody who benefitted from the diamonds to share her story to the western community. 

“She is the living embodiment of what the diamonds have done in Botswana, so for us to have her speak to the world leading diamantaires is a powerful way of transmitting the message in a powerful manner,” he said. ENDS