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Botswana: Survival Targets Mohohlo, Molokomme
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Mmegi/The Reporter (Gaborone)
11 March 2008
Posted to the web 11 March 2008
Tshireletso Motlogelwa
The international non-governmental human rights organisation will tomorrow hold a demonstration in London against Botswana diamonds to coincide with the visit of the Attorney General Dr Athalia Molokomme, Bank of Botswana Governor Linah Mohohlo and De Beers Botswana CEO Sheila Khama.
The three officials are expected to take part in a workshop organised by the diamond industry in London's St James' Square. Among the issues up for discussion will be the benefit of diamond beneficiation to Botswana.
Survival has been a campaigner for Basarwa rights for years often targeting Botswana diamonds for their public demonstrations.
A marathon court case between Basarwa and government over the relocation of Basarwa from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve culminated with the High Court declaring the relocations illegal.
In a statement released yesterday, the NGO indicates that it would bring to the international audience the adverse effect of the relocation on Basarwa.
"Survival supporters will hold placards showing photos of three other women - Bushman women who have died due to the eviction of the Bushmen from their land..." states the statement.
SI claims that one woman died of dehydration in 2005, another died because of HIV/AIDS and another from "a broken heart" all as a result of the eviction.
Meanwhile, Clifford Maribe of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the claims made by SI. "There has been no death resulting from the relocation. SI are just openly misleading the international community," said Maribe.
"In such gatherings as the government, through the High Commission, distributes leaflets to counter such allegations and give the attendants and industry officials the facts," added Maribe.
He however, says the campaign by the NGO has not had any effect on the Botswana diamond industry.
According to a press release from government spokesperson Jeff Ramsay indicates that the Mohohlo, Molokomme and Khama will address the industry on the developments regarding the local diamond industry with emphasis on beneficiation.
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Media reports indicate that the workshop, hosted by the international affairs think tank Chatman House will scrutinise the Botswana developments and draw lessons for other countries seeking to follow the same route. The diamond industry and ancillary industries are projected to provide up to 3 000 employment opportunities at full capacity.
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