Debswana Diamond Company marks its 55th birthday on June 23, celebrating decades of transformative contributions to the local economy and its citizens.
In a statement, the group said the birthday’s theme was 'More Than Diamond Mining' and the birthday month would feature various events to celebrate and commemorate. Debswana spokesperson, Matshidiso Kamona, said the theme encapsulates Debswana’s broader mission which is to transcend the extraction of precious gems and positively contribute and impact various areas of importance in the economy and lives of Batswana.
The group has been instrumental in fostering infrastructure development, enhancing healthcare, creating employment opportunities, and advancing positive education outcomes, amongst others. Kamona said Debswana is a pioneer in various areas, other than mining, having 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.
Debswana is Botswana’s largest private sector employer with close to 12,000 employees and contractor employees. The company has also generated over 18,000 jobs through its Citizen Economic Empowerment Programme (CEEP) and Corporate Social Investment Programme and is working towards having created and supported 20,000 jobs in Botswana by the end of 2024.
