06 Dec 2020

Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security has stressed the importance of diamonds in building Botswana from humble beginnings.

Speaking during the Virtual Diamond Impact Week recently, Mr Lefoko Moagi said despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the event would have not passed unnoticed, owing to the significance of  the diamonds story to Botswana.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has not discouraged us from taking a moment and have a conversation on our diamonds with our partners and stakeholders. This demonstrates the critical role that diamonds play in our economies as the region,” Mr Moagi said.

He further stressed Botswana’s ethical diamond mining, which he said ensured that diamonds were recovered safely and that such standards were maintained throughout the diamond value chain from mine to finger.

He told participants that Botswana was a remarkable country with an equally remarkable history that had played a central role in the most sublime and meaningful moments in the lives of millions of people around the world.

“Our diamonds have punctuated the greatest love stories told, and put an ensign on the crowns of royals and other dignitaries,” he stated.  

He said diamonds were all about creating long lasting connections with loved ones, beautiful connections made between people and pleasant moments that were best celebrated.

“And so we believe, have always believed that such moments are an intricate part of Botswana’s diamond story. In this sense and many others, the 2020 Virtual Diamond Impact Week is of great significance to us,” he stated.

Mr Moagi commended DeBeers Group for demonstrating Botswana’s story more significantly, given the history of the company in the country, adding the story mattered to all of those active in the diamond value chain.

Panelists, dubbed 10-10 designers shared their unique stories about diamond designer accessories as well as how they could be resilient in the ever-changing environment within which they operated.

Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Mr Mmetla Masire unfolded to the world what diamonds from Botswana represented - uniquely beautiful, rare, responsibly sourced and with a commitment that every carat mined contributeds positively to the lives of Batswana.

The theme for the maiden virtual Diamond Week was, Recovery, Rejuvenation and Growth. Ends