Debswana Diamond Company has received a Medal of Honour from the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5, in recognition of its outstanding contribution to sports development over the years.
The prestigious award celebrates organisations that have demonstrated exemplary commitment to advancing sports, promoting youth engagement, and strengthening regional sporting initiatives. The African Union Sports Council Region 5 is one of five zones under the African Union responsible for sports development, comprising Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Debswana’s Executive Head of Corporate Affairs, Rachel Mothibatsela, accepted the award on behalf of the company during the conferment ceremony held recently in Namibia. Reflecting on the recognition, Mothibatsela said, “Debswana is honoured to receive this award. We deeply appreciate the African Union Sports Council for recognising the dedicated efforts and contributions Debswana has made towards sport development in Botswana for over 30 years.”
She emphasized that Debswana’s mission to “Make Life Brilliant for Batswana” is reflected in its long-term support of sport, which has enabled athletes to compete internationally. “In Botswana, natural diamonds do so much more. Our diamonds and our business make an impact in a much deeper and more meaningful way for the people of Botswana. The recent award stands out as a tribute to the dedication of Debswana’s employees and partners who continue to uplift Botswana through sport,” she said.
Over the years, Debswana has supported several National Sporting Associations and events, including the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC), the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC), and its affiliates. Notably, since 2008, the company has invested more than P16.7 million in the flagship Re Ba Bona Ha grassroots programme, while also contributing P2 040,000 towards Botswana’s participation in the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games. These efforts helped deliver impressive results — a bronze medal in the 4x400m relay at the Tokyo Olympics, and gold in the 200m plus silver in the 4x400m relay at the Paris Olympics.
