Features :: Mmegi Online

Friday, December 13, 2024

Botswana throws the diamond industry a lifeline

In 1947 a young copywriter by the name of Frances Gerety coined the tagline “A Diamond is Forever”, and De Beers created what today we call the ‘Diamond Dream’; positioning natural diamonds as rare, the ultimate symbol of love and commitment; expensive yet elegant, a symbol of success and wealth, a vault to hold your emotional memories and to pass them on from one generation to the next, a store of enduring value.

Richard Chetwode | 13 December 2024

Sparkling: President Boko's admires the recent huge diamond discovery from Lucara PIC.DGB FACEBOOK

Gaoberekwe’s burial puts CKGR at crossroads

Now that Pitseng Gaoberekwe is finally back at his ancestral home, the Bushmen of CKGR are filled with renewed hope that the new administration will at last set them free to return to their bush, practice their traditional lifestyle and preserve their cultural heritage. But how will the government juggle the wildlife conservation versus community livelihoods dilemma inside the game reserve? THALEFANG CHARLES writes

Thalefang Charles | 13 December 2024

One of a kind: A rare pink diamond from Botswana. The natural diamond world is uniting for a major marketing campaign next year in order to revive demand
PIC: NEWS24.COM

Inside the fightback by natural diamonds

The Natural Diamond Council, the apex global body for marketing natural diamonds, has approached producer nations, including Botswana, to financially contribute to a massive campaign needed to boost demand next year. Mmegi Staffer MBONGENI MGUNI writes

Mbongeni Mguni | 13 December 2024

Scenes from the mountains: The Maletsunyane Braai Festival in Semonkong was a delight to the senses

From high peaks to Maletsunyane’s hot coals

With the words of one South African actor, “Me, I am a traveller. I cannot be in one place; I must travel to far places,” echoing in his ears, Mmegi travel writer, MOMPS RANKGATE, packed his bags last week and headed back to Lesotho for a unique experience

Mompoloki Rankgate | 13 December 2024

Going green: Pheko-Moshagane PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG

Absa affirms commitment to sustainable growth

In 2023, Absa listed the country’s first green bond programme and has so far raised P80m from the market. Managing Director, Keabetswe Pheko-Moshagane tells MBONGENI MGUNI the bank is going even further to partner in the country’s sustainable development

Mbongeni Mguni | 06 December 2024

New deal: Boko and De Beers CEO, Al Cook, have already met several times PIC: BWPRESIDENCY

What’s next for the diamond deal?

Soon and very soon, both sides say, but precious few details have emerged as to whether the deal being hammered out between De Beers and the Boko administration represents minor service or an overhaul. MBONGENI MGUNI & TIMOTHY LEWANIKA report

Mbongeni Mguni,Lewanika Timothy | 06 December 2024

Lenin arrived in Russia from exile in Switzerland at the beginning of April 1917 PIC.WIKIPEDIA.COM

On the centenary of the death of VI Lenin - (Part III)

War and revolution The period of organisational growth and consolidation of the Bolsheviks within Russia was also an era of developing storm of tensions and instability in Europe.

OTUMILE MONAMODI | 29 November 2024

Helping hand: Van Vranken has pledged the United States' help to fight GBV

Tackling gender-based violence: A shared responsibility

As we approach the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, I reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the United States to stand shoulder to shoulder with all Batswana in ending this epidemic of abuse that devastates the lives of women, men, children, and families in the United States and Botswana alike.

AMBASSADOR HOWARD VAN VRANKEN* | 22 November 2024

Sharing experiences: Dingake PIC: NEWSDAY

Navigating judicial independence and accountability

I bring you greetings from the Second Republic of Botswana.

Hon Justice OBK Dingake | 29 November 2024

Democracy in action: Botswana recently emerged from historic elections PIC KENNEDY RAMOKONE

May we borrow your youth?

Some days, for whatever reason, feel bland. Others, exciting. But a day that is certainly different is a day that is an opportunity to vote in a general election.

Bongi D D M Radipati | 22 November 2024

Kenewendo bounces back to Cabinet

Sharon Mathala | 15 November 2024

Is a human rights approach to the economy what Botswana needs?

Lewanika Timothy | 15 November 2024

Worse than we thought: Gaolathe on first sight of budget numbers

Mbongeni Mguni | 15 November 2024

Father of the Pula: Remembering Quill Hermans (1936–2024)

Jeff Ramsay | 15 November 2024

The possible quick budget wins

Mbongeni Mguni | 08 November 2024

Boko transition: Ill-prepared civil servants spill gov't secret

08 November 2024

Eventful year: Besides Tebogo’s Olympic victory, Botswana experienced a shift of political power in 2024

2024 was by all means an unorthodox year with many memorable events. What better way to narrate the story of the year than through figures, because, as the old adage suggests, “numbers never lie”. Mmegi Staffer, TIMOTHY LEWANIKA, writes

A chat with Motube, the retired longest-serving police spokesperson

Botswana Police Service (BPS) spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner, Dipheko Motube who has been the face of the service for decades has retired. Mmegi Staff Writer, PINI BOTHOKO had a chat with him to discuss his journey in policing, achievements, and plans after his retirement.

Khama’s return to the Kgotla is not just a personal triumph but also a victory for his supporters
PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG

2024: The year Khama came home, went to the Kgotla

Having left Botswana in December 2021, former president, Ian Khama has returned to his homeland.

The BDP suffered a historic defeat in the general elections, losing power to the UDC

The unprecedented fall of the BDP

As many people reflect on the year and revel in festive celebrations, key members of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) have little cause for joy. Instead, they face the daunting task of regrouping and strategising for a comeback in 2029.

The BCP entered the recent 2024 election as the most prepared party PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO

BCP 2024’s opposition of choice

No political party enters the election race to emerge as an opposition party. But for the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), Batswana decided at the polls to give them the role of the main opposition party for the next five years, Writes Mmegi Staffer SPIRA TLHANKANE

Supporting growth: The non-mining sector’s growth in the second quarter was helped by stable electricity supply. As diamonds attempt a recovery, non-mining activities need supportive utilities to play their part in resuscitating the economy PIC: MBONGENI MGUNI

Economy drifts into choppy waters... again

The economy this year entered familiar choppy waters with the prolonged downturn in diamonds weighing down growth and threatening the deepest contraction since COVID-19.

Winner: Nduna walked away with P100,000 for his efforts PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

Lucara names record diamond ‘Motswedi’

Lucara Diamond on Tuesday awarded prize monies of P100,000 and P50,000 to two Batswana who won a one-month-long competition to name the diamonds uncovered at the company’s Karowe Mine.

Stay safe this holiday season

However, amidst the happiness, it is crucial to remember that the holidays can also bring unforeseen challenges. From increased traffic and travel hazards to heightened risks of accidents and social unrest, the festive period demands heightened awareness and responsible behaviour.Traffic congestion and accidents are a common occurrence during the holidays. With increased travel, roads become busier, leading to a higher risk of collisions. Alcohol...

Mmegi Editor | 20 December 2024

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