Author: Boi Bolele

It follows that in order to ascertain the impact of the Citizen Economic Empowerment Programme (CEEP), we had conversations with participating citizen companies, with manufacturers, who indirectly supply inputs to primary mining business partners, and we also spoke to subcontractors and to communities benefiting from the CSR. It is further worth noting that these conversations were held independent of procuring mining companies, and central to these conversations were verification, and impact assessment and documentation of the citizen beneficiaries chronicling their empowerment path to status of emerging citizen industrialists.

Erosions Mining, a Civil, Construction and Railway Engineering Company, commenced its contract with Debswana Diamond Mines in which several citizen companies and local communities will also emerge as beneficiaries; The rail track maintenance contract involves specialised maintenance of all rail equipment at mine ore processing, water thickeners, overhead cranes at the plant, and ore processing treatment tailings to reduce premature failures and breakdowns and increase turnaround time of the equipment. The work includes carrying out corrective and preventative pro-active maintenance on the equipment. The Debswana CEEP benefits to contractors are varied but include access to finance as a key aspect.…

Positioned at the helm of empowering local enterprises, this initiative enables citizen-owned companies to engage significantly in the fuel supply value chain. Working in concert, the partnership will bolster the participation of Botswana’s businesses in an industry noted for its considerable financial entry barriers. Meshack Tshekedi heralds the partnership, spotlighting BOL’s role as an essential linchpin in ensuring a steady fuel supply to Debswana’s mines which anchor the national economy. Leveraging its import capaciousness and secure storage facilities, BOL commits to quality assurance and a consistent fuel stock – a critical support given Debswana’s substantial annual demand. Debswana’s inclination toward…

Through the Supplier Development Programme (SDP), a hundred participants in Jwaneng and Orapa have already benefited from advisory training and mentorship. This initiative has catapulted beneficiaries into supply contracts with Debswana, enabling them to secure PPE production capacity expansion through an initial P4 million financial grant. The SDP’s multifaceted goals encompass enhancing suppliers’ productive capacity, boosting competitiveness, and establishing connections with structured markets, locally and abroad. Through buyer-seller seminars, the programme has already allocated over P266 million in markets to Tokafala enterprises and generated 330 new jobs, with participant revenue increasing by 27 percent. A flagship project within this collaboration,…

Debswana’s Executive Head of Technology and Technical Services, Bakani Motlhabani, highlighted the significance of the Jwaneng Underground Mine during his participation in a panel discussion on diamonds at the African Mining Summit. Motlhabani stated that the mine has the potential to become the largest underground mine not only in Botswana or Southern Africa but also in the world. Motlhabani also emphasized the importance of digital integration in creating a digitally safe mine. This suggests that the Jwaneng Underground Mine will incorporate advanced technologies and digital systems to enhance safety measures and operational efficiency. The ongoing Cut-9 project, which started in…

The event brought together 100 junior school girls aged 15 to 18 from South East, Kweneng, and Kgatleng districts, with the goal of promoting their participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The workshop offered the girls a unique opportunity to connect with engineering role models, engage in hands-on personal and career development activities, and explore the exciting world of STEM careers. This collaboration between De Beers, DTCB, the Ministry of Education & Skills Development, and WomEng is part of an ongoing effort to drive positive change and empower girls in the engineering and technology industries. By offering these…

The bank had initially pledged P200 million towards the Debswana CEEP programme, to financially enable contractors and suppliers of the mining giant. This, according to Mr. Khalala Mokefane Head Wholesale Banking at Bank Gaborone, was the bank’s initiative of supporting both the client being Debswana and the citizen partners of the programme as part of the bank’s journey in growing the Botswana economy. “This partnership comes as a deliberate commitment from the partners to drive the creation of opportunities for citizen suppliers, and is thus our contribution to the socio-economic development of Batswana by supporting and empowering citizen-owned SMEs. We…

It follows that in order to ascertain the impact of the Citizen Economic Empowerment Programme (CEEP), we had conversations with participating citizen companies, with manufacturers, who indirectly supply inputs to primary mining business partners, and we also spoke to subcontractors and to communities benefiting from the CSR. It is further worth noting that these conversations were held independent of procuring mining companies, and central to these conversations were verification, and impact assessment and documentation of the citizen beneficiaries chronicling their empowerment path to status of emerging citizen industrialists. UNFILTERED VOICE OF ORDINARY BATSWANA Stories of Botswana Diamonds have been told…

In an impressive display of skill and determination, Ross Branch claimed the honorable eighth place on the final stage of the race, securing an outstanding second position overall. This remarkable achievement marks a historic moment, as no Motswana rider before has reached such heights. Additionally, it is noteworthy to mention that Ross Branch now holds the esteemed title of being the top-performing African biker at this renowned event. Although fate did not smile upon him and he narrowly missed out on his first ever Dakar Rally championship, it is undeniable that his performance was nothing short of extraordinary. With a…

Let me take this opportunity to thank the organizers of this Local Manufacturing Summit for inviting me to be part of this historic event, whose outcomes will be of great value to our national development agenda.In the same vein, I wish to applaud our hosts, the Botswana Chamber of Mines, for demonstrating astute leadership in putting together this important national Summit. The Summit comes at an opportune time when we are intensifying efforts at maximising our value chain development in the manufacturing sector. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, this coming together of key strategic players is, indeed, a great milestone for…