11 Jul 2021

The Diamond Cutting Amendment Bill of 2021 seeks to transform Botswana into a world class diamond centre by stimulating employment generation, skills development, citizen empowerment and industry development.

Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Mr Lefoko Moagi outlined this when presenting the bill for second reading in Parliament recently.

The bill seeks to amend the Diamond Cutting Act (Cap 66:04) that regulates the manufacturing of diamonds.

Mr Moagi said the amendment bill sought to make sure diamonds sourced in Botswana were beneficiated in the country. 

The beneficiation process, he said, included sorting, valuing, marketing and processing of diamonds.

Once passed by Parliament, the new act would ensure that only credible or legitimate companies were licensed in diamond manufacturing in Botswana. 

Through the proposed amendments, Mr Moagi said government would be able to tighten downstream beneficiation regulatory controls of diamonds in the country.

He said the bill also sought to ensure that diamond cutting licences were issued to companies as opposed to nominees or individuals.

In their comments, some legislators stated that it was long due. However, they called for additional measures to ensure that Batswana benefited more from diamonds as well as smooth facilitation for those eager to venture into the business.

Gaborone North MP, Mr Mpho Balopi said the bill was timely because it would enhance skills in the diamond value chain. He said skills would be, in later stage when diamonds were now depleted, exported to other countries.

Serowe North MP, Mr Baratiwa Mathoothe said Batswana should be given an upper hand so that they did not become spectators in their own country. 

Molepolole North MP, Mr Oabile Regoeng argued that the diamond value chain was a lucrative spectrum in job creation. He also suggested for more measures to curb fronting.

Tonota MP, Mr Pono Moatlhodi welcomed the plan to localise diamond cutting, stating that proceeds from diamonds had contributed immensely to Botswana. 

Palapye MP, Mr Oneetse Ramogapi also reckoned the diamond industry as a money-spinning venture hence the business environment should be conducive to enable Batswana to tap into opportunities linked to the beneficiation process. 

He said more attention should be given to diamond valuers, positing that there was a tendency to fix prices in favour of business tycoons. ends