28 Nov 2013

The relocation of the Diamond Trading Centre (DTC) functions from London to Gaborone is done and sealed.

Government continues to encourage the private sector to take advantage of the opportunities relocation exercise presents. In his state-of-the-nation address, President Lt Gen Seretse Khama Ian Khama, revealed that the diamond cutting and polishing sector continued to grow, employing 3 651 people as at August this year.

On another note, Vice President Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe noted that the exploitation of such opportunities entailed focused planning, hard work and concerted team effort. With further development of the Botswana downstream diamond industry it was estimated that there would be a good number of jobs created for Batswana. BOPA took to the streets to establish how Batswana understood the benefits that came along with the opportunities,

Magdeline and Larona Dimeku (street vendors) 

News of DTC relocation ignited hope and excitement to the two Block 8 street vendors who are aspiring to become well established tuckshop owners one day. They are currently selling fat cakes and cooked bones to people working around the diamond park.

“We are having more and more customers coming to buy our goods during the week and our dream is to see this grow into the future. We have that potential of growing big. We take home at least P100 every day,” explains Larona. Despite challenges of transport to their point of selling, the duo is hopeful.

Lefika Monthe (Form 2 student - Sir Seretse Khama Junior Secondary School)

The 14-year old student learnt about the lucrative opportunities that would be presented by the DTC relocation during the Social Studies class when they were studying the mining industry. He said the exercise would be of immense benefit to Batswana and might also encourage those who were still at school to make wise career choices and join the well-paying mining industry upon completion of their studies.

Lefika advised that government together with its partners should look into issues of security and marketing strategies.  “A number of students who go abroad for courses related to mining especially science related disciplines is worrisome. We might as well look into service standards as we welcome the world into our shores,” he added. Joseph Mokgopo (Block 8 combi operator) 

Mokgopo highlighted the need for government to step up efforts to improve low levels of public confidence in the taxi industry. He said most Batswana were still clueless about the lucrative income the industry could bring to them. ENDS