25 Jun 2023

The recently launched Botswana Diamonds Stamp captures the beautiful story of the country’s precious gemstones alongside the nation’s history, culture and artistic brilliance.

Launched by Vice President Mr Slumber Tsogwane in Orapa on Friday in celebration of Debswana’s 54th anniversary, each stamp represents a chapter in the local history from the discovery of diamonds in the 1960s to the socio-economic impact they brought.

Mr Tsogwane noted that stamps were educational tools from generation to generation, as they preserved history and were also a form of investment. “Botswana Diamonds Stamp has been used as another way of promoting diamonds and telling the story of Botswana locally and to the world,” he said adding that the stamp showed many of the country’s scenic nature, culture and natural resources.

Mr Tsogwane noted that Philately was based on the rarity of a stamp, indicating that it was his belief that all Botswana stamps had become a rarity and valuable since the advent of technology.

“Botswana stamps just like our diamonds are valuable gems,” he said. He said the partnership with BotswanaPost to produce a five-year series of diamonds of Botswana stamp was a welcome development, as the partnership gave Debswana the advantage of speed and reach.

He commended BotswanaPost for initiating the idea, saying the creative art space was one of the key areas that empowered locals.

He said the creative industry was a repository of local culture, both popular culture and traditional values. He said the enactment of the National Arts Council of Botswana Act in 2021 further demonstrated government’s commitment to growing the arts.

For his part, the Minister of Communications, Knowledge and Technology Mr Thulagano Segokgo said the diamond stamp issue represented a significant step in preserving cultural heritage and telling the story of the nation of Botswana through diamonds.

“The stamp as the country’s ambassador transcends borders and communicates the history and identity of the local people. It is a powerful symbol that connects Batswana to their roots and serves as a reminder of the collective journey,” he said.

He stated that the diamond stamp issue also provided a unique opportunity to educate and inspire the younger generation.

He said his ministry was confident that the collaboration between BotswanaPost and Debswana would ensure that the value and significance of stamps were not lost. BotswanaPost Chief Executive Officer Mr Cornelius Ramatlhakwana said the Diamonds of Botswana Stamp issue held profound significance as it captured the remarkable journey of diamond mining in Botswana.

Mr Ramatlhakwana indicated that the stamps through their captivating designs and themes captured history, machinery, socio-economic development and vividly portrayed the transformative impact of the diamond industry on the nation of Botswana.

Debswana Managing Director Mr Andrew Motsomi stated that Debswana had wholly sponsored the stamps project and the launch at a combined value of P950 000.

Mr Motsomi said the stamps would have 16 issues that accommodated both local and international tariffs. ENDS