FOCUSONDEBSWANA Partnering for Thriving Communities: Debswana, De Beers and Diarough leads by example
Debswana's Corporate Social Investment Programme beneficiary and the Camphill Community Trust hosted a fundraising walk in Otse on the 25th of May 2024, under the theme, ‘Walk together so no one is left behind’.
The Executive Head of Corporate Affairs of Debswana, Rachel Lungile Mothibatsela, was the Chief Walker for the fundraiser.
Debswana has funded the renovation of a Tea Garden located at the centre, which will open to the public once completed. The Tea Garden will be commercially operated to supplement funds for the Community Trust's initiatives, in line with an overarching commitment towards transforming community- based enterprises into sustainable projects.
In its quest to Partner for Thriving Communities, Debswana has collaborated with De Beers Group and Sightholder Diarough Botswana (Pty) Ltd to further support Camphill Centre for their future activities. Diarough Botswana made a financial commitment of P500, 000 (five hundred thousand Pula) towards refurbishing Camphill facilities (old hostels) to achieve its sustainability ambitions.
“Debswana saw it befitting for the centre to benefit from our socio-economic development programme. Our socio-economic development programme is part of our Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) programme dubbed Building Forever.
“It resonates with our purpose to ‘Make Life Brilliant’ and is set up on our values particularly that of “Show You Care” and our building forever intentions that demand of us to create prosperity for all. aligned to our country’s Vision 2036 aspirations to create prosperity for all,” Debswana Executive Head of Corporate Affairs Rachel Lungile Mothibatsela, said.
Andreas Growth, Director at Camphill Community Trust said, “Camphill is excited to partner with Debswana Diamond Company for the sponsored walk as we celebrate 50 years of providing education and training for children and young people with disabilities in Botswana.
“We are deeply grateful to Debswana, De Beers Group and Diarough for their support which enables us to provide quality education for children and young people with disabilities who are among the most vulnerable groups in society.”
The funds raised at the walk will contribute to financing Rankoromane School and Motse Wa Badiri Training with a combined enrolment of 162 learners aged from 5 years to adults. Some of the funds will be used to renovate the kitchen for a restaurant which provides a learning space for vocational training in Hospitality and Catering in a real-world commercial environment. This social enterprise also generates income for the community.
About Debswana Debswana Diamond Company was established in 1969, and is owned in equal shares by the Government of the Republic of Botswana and De Beers Group. It is one of the world’s leading diamond producers by value and volume. Debswana operates four diamond mines - Orapa, Letlhakane, Damtshaa and Jwaneng. The company is a major contributor to the national economy of Botswana – contributing significantly to the gross domestic product, foreign exchange earnings and government revenues. Debswana is one of the largest private sector employers, with over 5500 employees and over 6000 contractors.
It is also the largest contributor to the De Beers Group rough diamond production. The company is committed to mining safely, optimally and responsibly, as well as making a meaningful contribution to the development of communities around its mines and the nation at large, thus making life brilliant.