09 Jun 2025

 The inaugural Cresta Golf Tournament is poised to bring lasting positive impact to  the Jwaneng community, as the region transitions from its mining legacy.

The charitable event aimed to stimulate local economy through sports, complementing other initiatives backed by the mine Speaking at official opening of the event in Jwaneng on June 6, Jwaneng Mine General Manager Goitseone Gadifele expressed his excitement about potential charitable projects that would emerge from the golf tournament.

He underscored the importance of these initiatives for the town’s sustainability beyond diamond mining era. Emphasising their commitment to community engagement, Gadifele noted that Jwaneng has been equipped with state-of-the-art sporting facilities across various codes, with aspirations to make golf more accessible to all, dispelling the notion that it was an elite sport.

In a bid to enhance economic activity, Gadifele revealed plans to develop a central business district in Jwaneng and create tourist attractions, including monuments highlighting the town’s global reputation for premium diamonds.

Additionally, he mentioned efforts to commercialise the local game park, pending the necessary tourism department licensing, to welcome both residents and visitors.

Cresta Marakanelo Limited Managing Director, Mokwena Morulane discussed their strategic conversations at the beginning  of  year regarding how to infuse excitement and tourism into Jwaneng amidst the economic challenges.

Collaborating with local partners such as the Jwaneng Golf Club and Debswana, the annual tournament emerged as a unique fusion of sport, hospitality, and entertainment, he said.

Morulane assured that apart from organising costs, all proceeds from the weekend’s fundraising activity would be channelled to local charitable entities, affirming the commitment to community upliftment.

He also highlighted that many artistes and service providers involved in the event were sourced from Jwaneng, as part of their “See Botswana Differently” campaign aimed at promoting diverse aspects of tourism within the country.

Morulane conveyed the vision of positioning Jwaneng not only as the home of the world’s most valuable diamonds but also as a premier weekend golf destination, with ambitions for the tournament to attract visitors and foster the growth of golf tourism.

President of the Botswana Golf Union, Derrick Musa noted the substantial economic potential of the golf industry, citing figures from neighbouring such as South Africa where it was valued at approximately P30 billion.

He reiterated that, with the game park’s commercialisation, there was significant opportunity for golf to be a revenue-generating activity in Jwaneng, while also promoting healthy lifestyles and reinforcing community bonds across all age groups. ENDS