26 May 2026

The realisation of an arts and crafts centre for Small Median and Medium Entreprises (SMMES) in the 17 villages within Debswana Jwaneng Mine area of influence looks promising following a ground breaking ceremony that happened recently.

The development seeks to position the creative industry as a driver in economic diversification and is strategically located along the A2 road. It also aims to promote cultural and eco-tourism as well as economically empower the local communities, particularly the marginalised groups such as youth, women and people living with disabilities.

Jwaneng mine senior technical support services manager, Segolame Ntwayagae noted that the project would try to diversify the local economy beyond diamond mining while at the same time creating employment opportunities within the creative industry.

“It aims to strengthen alternative livelihood opportunities so that communities become less reliant on mining related industries, while also addressing unemployment challenges within our area of influence,” he noted.

He said beyond economic value, the centre would also contribute towards preserving cultural heritage and the identity of the local communities and build robust partnerships with institutions that share the same vision.

To this end, Ntwayagae said some SMMES had been trained through partnership with the Thapong Visual Arts Centre, capacitating them to participate in various competitions and financing opportunities. 

He said plans were also underway to harness the opportunities created by the value chains in the creative sector and improve their access to wider markets.

“Arts and crafts are more than products. They carry our stories, our traditions, our identity and our heritage. A handcrafted basket reflects generations of knowledge. Beadwork carries cultural pride. Pottery reflects tradition and resilience. Through this centre, culture will not only be preserved, but empowered to create income, employment and opportunity,” he said.

Jwaneng/Mabutsane Member of Parliament, Omphemetse Kwapa, said the development was a unifying factor for communities in the region that would stimulate local economic activity and uplift the livelihoods of the people, including those in the informal sector. He hailed Jwaneng mine leadership for their impactful vision centred on sustainable development.

“This is a testament that diamonds shine forever, the impact would be felt for a long time. 

We therefore thank the general manager and his team for contributing towards improving the lives of the people in their area of influence,” he noted. ENDS