Botswana is home to the most valuable jewels in the world. Yet its people have little to show for it.
Mining is an ancient tradition in Botswana. However, it wasn’t until the late 1960s that diamonds were discovered after they declared independence from Britain. It didn’t take long for colonists to come sweeping back in.
The abuse of power in Africa by De Beers, an international diamond company,’ is long-standing. Even though modern laws and regulations have somewhat helped ease these constraints, following the money exposes a sad truth. While Botswana has put in the hours, labor, and resources, only De Beers wins.
Under their previous contract, De Beers received 90% of the profit from Botswana’s diamonds. Now that it’s expired, the country is fighting back. The Botswana government refuses to do business with the cartel until their share is increased to at least 25%.
The struggle against white supremacy, greed, and corruption spans the diaspora. Our beautiful bling is sourced from the motherland, yet our people are barely reaping the benefit of it. Let’s support these Black-owned companies instead of ones that pillage and deprive our people.