43 / 90
40
This move followed the conclusion of a new diamond
sales and marketing agreement between De Beers
and the Government of the Republic of Botswana
and involved the transfer of the majority of De
Beers’ sorting and rough diamond sales activities,
including 84 employees, from De Beers’ London
offices to Gaborone. Employees who relocated from
London continue to work to integrate and harmonise
international skills, while also developing the skills of
the Batswana, strengthening the domestic talent pool
and the Botswana diamond sector overall.
As of 2014, the majority of De Beers’ rough diamond
availability is sold in Botswana. This will help position
the country as a global centre for the diamond
industry. The holding of Sights in Botswana’s capital
means that representatives of De Beers’ Sightholders
– more than 80 of the world’s leading diamantaires
– travel to Gaborone up to 10 times a year, creating
additional demand for local goods and services. It
will also facilitate the expansion into downstream
beneficiation and the development of diamond-related
services. All of this has the potential to contribute to
substantial job creation in the Botswana economy well
beyond the jobs created by De Beers’ activities directly
related to diamond selling (see Fig. 22).
For more than 45 years, the partnership between
De Beers and Botswana has delivered significant
benefits to the people of Botswana. At the heart of
this partnership is Debswana, the diamond mining
joint venture between the Government and De Beers.
Similar arrangements exist in Namibia and South
Africa, where partnership agreements are also in
place – in Namibia with the Government through
Namdeb Holdings, and in South Africa with its
Black Economic Empowerment partner Ponahalo.
Governments in all these countries, as well as the
thousands of local workers in the diamond industry,
have made substantial efforts to support the industry.
However, to ensure the long-term sustainability of
the domestic diamond sector, it remains critical
that all stakeholders work together to maintain and
strengthen the productivity and competitiveness of
the sector.
FIG. 22:
REACTIONS TO THE MOVE OF DE BEERS’ GLOBAL
SIGHTHOLDER SALES TO BOTSWANA
… LOCAL BUSINESSES FEEL THE BENEFITS
“I started off my business on my own a year ago.
Just before the first Sight I had six people and now
I have 13 people working for me. In five years I want
to expand my business across Southern Africa.”
“A Sight guarantees me a certain income every month
– you still have to work hard, but it gives you a base –
I wish we could have Sights every day, though!”
“Everyone is grateful – everyone in my company.”
“For us, the move has been terrific. Our business was
largely started on the back of the move.”
“I really feel a sense of excitement for the city at the
moment. There’s a lot that’s need to be done, but
there is a real feeling of momentum.”
BOTSWANA GOVERNMENT STAKEHOLDERS
BELIEVE THE MOVE HAS DELIVERED VALUE…
“De Beers handled the moving process very well.”
“De Beers and Botswana have been strategic partners
since before the term existed – this has delivered a lot
to the country.”
“People are now more aware of Botswana globally,
because they have to come here more often.”
“Botswana can show other countries how they can
benefit from natural resources.”