On 23rd June 2024, Botswana’s largest private employer, Debswana Diamond Company, will commemorate Debswana Day, marking 55 years of pioneering contributions to Botswana’s development under the theme “More Than Diamond Mining”.
Since its founding in 1969, Debswana has been at the heart of Botswana’s economic transformation. Over the past five and a half decades, its journey has been one of resilience, uncovering Botswana’s limitless potential and creating timeless and tangible legacy of undeniable impact.
The anniversary theme, “More Than Diamond Mining” encapsulates Debswana’s broader mission; to transcend the extraction of precious gems and positively contribute and impact various areas of importance in the economy and lives of Batswana.
The organisation has been instrumental in fostering infrastructure development, enhancing healthcare, creating employment opportunities, and advancing positive education outcomes, amongst others.
The company founded entities such as Botswana Accountancy College, Pula Medical Aid, Broadhurst Primary School, three schools in Orapa and Jwaneng, hospitals in Orapa and Jwaneng, Debswana Pension Fund, Sesiro Insurance Company.
Through the then Peo Venture Capital, its partnership with De Beers, it also funded the establishment of Ba Isago University, Solahart Botswana, Sunday Standard newspaper, Massyn Moves in Botswana, Landscape Solutions, Transport Holdings, NTR Technologies and many others.
To date, Debswana runs two hospitals in Jwaneng and Orapa, which serve over 200,000 patients annually, at a cost of P160 million per annum. At their mines, the organisation also ensures that for every one hectare of land mined, five and more hectares remain reserved for conservation purposes.
With regard to human resource development, Debswana has since the early 70s, trained over 1,160 Batswana through its scholarship programme in various fields, including geology, engineering, metallurgy, medicine, physiotherapy, dentistry and human resources, to name a few. Many Debswana scholarship beneficiaries studied at the top universities in the world and work in various areas in Botswana and across the world. Debswana has trained, not only for Debswana and Botswana, but for the world.
Debswana is Botswana’s largest private sector employer with close to 12,000 employees and contractor employees. The company has also stimulated job creation, generating over 18,000 jobs through its Citizen Economic Empowerment Programme (CEEP) and Corporate Social Investment Programme. It is working towards having created and supported 20,000 jobs in Botswana by the end of 2024.
To celebrate the incredible milestone, Debswana Managing Director Andrew Maatla Motsomi said, “The story of Debswana is a story of transformation. We have substantially contributed to enriching and developing the national economy while also intentionally ensuring that we continuously invest in uplifting the lives of Batswana. Through our operational efforts, we have unearthed not just diamonds, but revenues to the Government to develop the country and positively impact education opportunities, community development initiatives and health services. As we reflect on our journey, we are filled with nostalgia and pride.”
Motsomi said that each milestone reached and every diamond unearthed has been a step towards shaping a brighter future for Botswana.
“Our story is one of shared success, built on the collective efforts of our dedicated employees, supportive communities, and steadfast partners. As one of Botswana’s largest employers, we take pride in providing meaningful employment to thousands, supporting livelihoods and boosting the national economy. We understand the responsibility we hold in this regard,” he said.
Debswana remains committed to excellence as they look forward to the future, poised to continue driving positive change, championing responsible mining practices, and enhancing their social impact.
