Lucara Diamond Corp. has entered into a definitive supply agreement for the remainder of 2020 with HB Group out of Antwerp, Belgium (HB), in respect of all diamonds produced in excess of 10.8 carats in size from its 100% owned Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana. According to the company, large, high value diamonds in excess of 10.8 carats in size from Karowe account for approximately 70% of Lucara’s annual revenues. Lucara added that though the mine has remained fully operational throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, it made a deliberate decision not to tender any of its +10.8 carat inventory after early March 2020 amidst the uncertainty…
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The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Conservation and Tourism said following the mysterious deaths of elephants in the areas around Seronga since March 2020, to date, 281 elephant carcasses have been verified against the 356 reported cases. “Furthermore investigations regarding the unexplained deaths of elephants are still ongoing. Government has therefore devoted resources for this purpose and working with other Non-Governmental Organization such as CARACAL and Eco- Exist to methodically establish the cause of mortality. In addition, the Ministry has collaborated with law enforcement agencies to assist in forensic investigations,” the Minstry stated. Initial testing of samples was conducted locally and…
Air Botswana has announced the re-introduction of the airline’s scheduled domestic operations effective July 17, 2020. The national carrier said however the resumption is subject to health and safety protocols and the new ways of working. It added it shall gradually increase frequency of operations on the basis of demand and reinstate regional operations as soon as current travel restrictions are lifted. “This is an exciting development, one that we have been eagerly awaiting! We are looking forward to resuming operations and embracing our new ways of working,” Air Botswana general manager, Agnes Khunwana said. “As we gradually reintroduce operations,…
Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) General Manager, Bakani Motlhabani, who is also a member of the Board of Directors of Tokafala, has launched the first Mining Suppliers Development Programme on the 6th July 2020. The programme is run through Tokafala- a partnership between the Government of the Republic of Botswana, Debswana Diamond Company, De Beers Group and Anglo American. According to Motlhabani the objective of the Supplier Development Programme is to develop the capacity and the competitiveness of citizen companies to improve their access to markets and ensure sustainable enterprises. He said that the programme will focus on improving…
Kalahari Fresh, a new local online multi grocery store, has unveiled its e-commerce website. The site brings the convenience of online shopping through curating a fresh mix of merchandise from various retailers in Botswana that consumers need, both local and imported goods.The site debuts with categories similar to those found in-store, including essential items such as fruit & vegetables, beauty products, frozen food, baby essentials, beverages, beverages, health and many more. Site developers, Captive Labs, highlight that the platform speaks to what current consumers need: “We are thrilled to officially introduce our new product, the Kalahari Fresh online store. We…
Stanbic Bank Botswana said both its Head Office Fairgrounds Branch have resumed operations following a temporary closure by the Ministry of Health and Wellness (Ministry). The two were reopened effective from 17 and 18 June 2020 respectively. The Bank’s chief executive, Samuel Minta confirmed that following concerns over a COVID-19 case, they received written approval from the Director of Health Services at the Ministry on 14 June 2020 to re-open both the Head Office and Fairgrounds Branch. “This approval was based on the bank having met all conditions including disinfection and testing of all staff at both premises. As a precautionary measure, the bank extended the disinfection to…
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), Airports Council International- Africa (ACI Africa) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Regional Offices for African States are united in their call to governments in Africa to rapidly implement ICAO’s global guidelines for restoring air connectivity to ensure the safe and harmonised restart of aviation in the region. These guidelines are contained in Takeoff: Guidance for Air Travel through the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis, which was approved by the ICAO Council. They have also been adopted into the African Union’s Restart and Recovery Strategies during and after COVID-19 for the African Aviation Sector. “Developed…
As consumers in the US reassess their purchasing behaviour in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, gifts that are meaningful and that retain their value will be the priority as people emerge from lockdown, according to new research undertaken over the past nine weeks by De Beers Group. The research demonstrated that lockdown had made many consumers feel grateful for things they used to take for granted, such as spending time with family, and that this would influence their purchasing and gifting behaviour in future. De Beers Group chief executive officer, Bruce Cleaver said COVID-19 crisis and associated lockdowns have caused…
The month of June marks the Southern Hemisphere winter solstice or mid-winter and traditionally occurs around 20 or 21 June each year. During this period, the Earth’s axis is tilted furthest away from the sun directly over the Tropic of Capricorn. But for the SA Cross Country Series (SACCS), its sponsors, officials, teams, competitors, thousands of enthusiasts and Botswana businesses and spectators the month of June traditionally celebrates the running of the majestic Toyota Kalahari Botswana 1000 Desert Race (TDR 1000).The event has been in existence since 1975 and legacy has it, Piet Lambrecht was in Gaborone organising a hunting…
Diamond trading is starting to regain traction in Hong Kong with some demand from China. Hong Kong is mostly open for business, but concerns are mounting about renewed protests following new Chinese security laws. New York’s 47th Street remains closed as other parts of the US slowly begin to open. US riots over police brutality are also creating concern. India is partially active again, while bourses in Belgium and Israel are operating under health and safety guidelines. Polished prices were stable in May amid minimal trading; business was limited to online platforms. The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI™) for 1-carat…