Unaswi Nduna, who won P100,000, said the inspiration for the name Motswedi for the 2,488-carat stone was because it symbolises honouring diamonds as a source of pride and heritage and for being the wellspring of prosperity for Botswana.
Koketso Keipate won P50,000 for naming the 1,094-carat diamond Seriti, representing the diamond’s innate dignity and honour which “commands respect without demanding it”.
Speaking at an event to unveil the winners, Lucara Botswana managing director, Naseem Lahri, said the two massive diamonds are not just mere stones but are chapters in the nation’s story and symbols of its rich geological history.
“To the world, these diamonds are a marvel of nature—an enduring reminder that beauty often lies beneath the surface, waiting to be unearthed with patience, care, and responsibility,” she said. “They are more than gems; they are ambassadors of Botswana’s prestige and commitment to ethical mining practices.”
Lahri said the two diamonds are symbols of opportunity and hope. They also emphasise Lucara’s ability to extract not only value from the earth but also “a future that belongs to all Batswana”.
“At Lucara Botswana, we embrace the immense responsibility of ensuring these diamonds find their forever homes in a way that uplifts Botswana and its people," she said. “This is not just about a transaction; it is about transformation — one that sees the revenues generated by these diamonds invested back into our communities, infrastructure, and collective future. “It is about creating a legacy where every Batswana feels pride in knowing their nation’s riches have enriched their lives,” she added.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Kenewendo said the naming competition strengthens community engagement and national pride.
“We are looking at driving the provenance of Botswana diamonds and as we name them today, we ensure that their history is never forgotten by those who will later wear them. “These names are not just bound to Botswana but to the world, there is no greater impact than the traceability of the Botswana diamond,” she said.
The competition, launched on November 22, sought to create a meaningful link between the diamonds and Botswana's rich heritage.
