Debswana Diamond Company has received a medal of honour from the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 in recognition of the company’s outstanding contribution and support to sport development over the years.
The distinguished award celebrates organisations that have shown exemplary commitment to advancing sports, promoting youth engagement and by so doing supporting the regional sporting initiatives.
The AUSC Region 5 is one of the five Regions entrusted with the responsibility to develop sport under the African Union, with members comprising Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Debswana’s Executive Head of Corporate Affairs, Rachel Mothibatsela, received the award on behalf of the company at the conferment ceremony held in Namibia recently.
Reflecting on the award, Mothibatsela said, “Debswana is honoured to receive this award. We deeply appreciate the African Union Sports Council for recognising the dedicated efforts and contributions Debswana has made towards sport development in Botswana for over 30 years.”
Mothibatsela said that Debswana’s purpose to “Make Life Brilliant for Batswana” shines through its impactful contributions to sport, which have empowered athletes to compete at top international levels.
“In Botswana, natural diamonds do so much more. Our diamonds and our business make an impact in a much deeper and more meaningful way for the people of Botswana,” she said.
“The recent award stands out as a tribute to the dedication of Debswana’s employees and partners who continue to uplift Botswana through sport.”
Debswana has supported different National Sporting Associations and/or events throughout the years, such as the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC), Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) and its affiliates.
Notably, since 2008, Debswana has invested over P16.7 million supporting the flagship Re Ba Bona Ha grassroots programme as well as contributing over P2 million towards the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games.
This resulted in Botswana attaining a bronze medal in the 4×400 metres relay at the Tokyo Olympics, a Gold in 200 metres and a silver in 4×400 metres relay at the Paris Olympics.
