News

University of Botswana (UB) Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, has commended Orapa and Letlhakane Diamond Mine (OLDM) for its dedication to promoting academic prowess among young Batswana.

Professor Norris was speaking at the annual OLDM Diamond Dreams Awards held at Mopipi Junior Secondary School on the 11th of July 2024 where he was invited as the guest speaker.

The Awards were held to honour outstanding academic achievements across primary, junior and senior secondary schools in the Boteti Region. The event, now in its 4th edition, demonstrates the region's commitment to nurturing educational excellence.

Professor Norris underscored the importance of a knowledge-based economy and encouraged the students to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation as key to their success in the modern era.

"I congratulate Boteti’s young achievers on their stellar performances," said Professor Norris, urging them to persevere in overcoming challenges and leveraging their talents with a positive outlook on the future.

OLDM Assistant General Manager, Mr Ditiro Lentswe, observed that through the company's Corporate Social Investment Programme (CSR) has for the past four years been contributing P500 000 annually towards the Diamond Dreams Awards.

The initiative is part of Debswana’s broader "Building Forever Strategy 2030," aimed at fostering self-sufficiency and competitiveness in Boteti beyond the mines' closure. To that end, Mr Lentswe underscored OLDM's commitment to education as a catalyst for sustainable community development beyond diamond mining.

A Geologist at Debswana and Learner Official, Ms Tshephang Mogae, in her motivational address applauded the perseverance and dedication of the awardees and educators alike. Ms Mogae encouraged the students to forge lasting academic relationships and aim higher in their educational pursuits.

Area Councilor, Mr Ofentse Gabalatlhane, expressed gratitude to Debswana for its continuous support in advancing the Boteti region and further thanked Professor Norris for his inspiring words to the students. He also acknowledged the tireless efforts of educators in guiding and shaping the students as Botswana future leaders.

The Diamond Dreams Awards ceremony not only celebrates academic excellence but also underscores the transformative impact of education in preparing Boteti's youth for a globally competitive future. As the region strives towards becoming a hub for innovation and self-reliance, initiatives such as these reaffirm the community's resilience and commitment to building a prosperous future beyond mining.