Khwee, Botswana – Debswana Diamond Company, in partnership with the Boteti District Council, has officially handed over the Khwee Community Ranch, a project aimed at strengthening food security, creating sustainable livelihoods for rural communities in Botswana.
The project represents a combined investment of more than BWP5 million (approximately US$370,000) with Debswana contributing over BWP2.7 million towards critical infrastructure and livestock development, while the Boteti District Council invested BWP2.3 million.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) General Manager Mogakolodi Maoketsa said the initiative demonstrates how partnerships between the private sector, government and communities can deliver lasting development outcomes.
This project reflects our commitment to creating opportunities that extend beyond mining by investing in sustainable livelihoods, strengthening food security and empowering communities to build resilient local economies,” he said.
Debswana’s investment funded key infrastructure, including a fully equipped borehole, a 209,000-litre water reservoir, livestock handling facilities and an initial breeding herd comprising 46 cattle, including two breeding bulls, and 31 goats, including one breeding buck. Since the project began, the ranch has already recorded the birth of 19 calves, an encouraging milestone that demonstrates its long-term potential.
Recognising that sustainable development requires more than physical infrastructure, Debswana also provided governance, business leadership and technical training to equip community members with the skills needed to manage and grow the enterprise successfully.
For his part, Boteti District Council Chairperson Mr. Onkhuparetse Monnaatsie encouraged the community to take ownership of the ranch and maintain it for future generations. He expressed hope that the ranch would eventually host livestock auctions, creating economic opportunities for local farmers, and urged the community to work closely with Veterinary Services to ensure the health and productivity of the livestock.
The Khwee project intends to improve livestock production, strengthen food security and create sustainable income-generating opportunities for the people of Khwee, marking another milestone in Debswana’s ongoing commitment to delivering lasting value through partnerships with government and local communities.
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For more information, please contact:
Montlenyane Baaitse
Senior Corporate Affairs Manager
Debswana Diamond Company
About Debswana
Debswana Diamond Company was established in 1969, and it 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 in 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. Debswana 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. For further information visit www.debswana.com.
