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Mail Online, Gaborone (2026)

11/06/2026

Lifting of Temporary Suspension of New Applications for GEMVAS Facility

11/06/2026

DE BEERS SHARES LATEST RESEARCH ON
US CONSUMER TRENDS

*The Diamond Report includes insights on who is buying diamonds and why, based on a study of 18,500 women across the industry’s largest consumer market

Natural diamonds are the most desired luxury jewellery product, average purchase prices have increased 25%, Gen Z is now the second largest generation buying diamonds, and non-bridal occasions account for three-quarters of overall US demand. These are some of the key findings of De Beers Group’s latest US Diamond Acquisition Study, featuring responses from 18,500 women aged 18 – 74 across the industry’s largest consumer market.

Completed in 2026, the biannual study also found that Gen Z is spending almost double what Baby Boomers spend when buying natural diamonds – at $4,080 per piece vs $2,250 – and that while love-related purchase motivations remain the core driver of demand, personal motivations such as celebrating a new job, getting a promotion, recognising an achievement or ‘just because’ are increasingly driving diamond jewellery purchasing.

The study highlights that US consumers rank natural diamonds as their top preference for a luxury jewellery item, with 11% of women ranking natural diamond jewellery their most desired luxury gift. This places natural diamond desirability ahead of synthetic lab-grown diamonds (8%), other gemstones (5%) and plain gold jewellery (4%).

Average prices for natural diamond jewellery also increased significantly in 2025, rising to $4,063 per piece compared with $3,242 in 2023. This growth is being driven by consumers buying larger carat weights, with average total carat weight increasing to 1.86 carats, up from 1.65 carats in 2023.

When it comes to the industry’s youngest generation, the study found that Gen Z punches above its weight: the generation now accounts for just under a quarter (23%) of natural diamond demand value despite representing just 18% of the population. Gen Z consumers also buy or receive diamonds for more occasions than any other generation – at 1.83 occasions per year compared with an overall average of 1.7. While bridal occasions lead Gen Z demand at 45% of total purchases, gifting from relatives also plays an important role. Birthdays are particularly significant, representing 17% of all Gen Z diamond acquisitions compared with 13% across all generations. Gen Z also highly values self-expression and associates diamonds with being a symbol of identity more than any other generation, while also having the greatest reliance on social media for researching their purchases.

Diana Mitkov, lead researcher within Diamond Demand Insights & Analytics at De Beers Group, said: “The study findings highlight that today’s consumers aspire to own natural diamonds just as much as the generations that came before them, and ahead of any other jewellery product. And they are spending more per piece than ever before. But how and why consumers buy diamonds is evolving. Traditional life milestones such as getting engaged are no longer the only value driver for the industry; consumers are increasingly marking a wide range of occasions with natural diamonds and are looking for distinct pieces that feel personal to them.

“As unique miracles of nature, the attributes of natural diamonds play directly into these shifting consumer trends. The opportunity for the diamond industry is to ensure that natural diamonds continue to capture the value of this strong underlying desire in an increasingly competitive landscape by offering compelling designs across all sizes, colours and price points and for occasions that go well beyond traditional engagement or wedding jewellery.”

These findings feature in a new publication from De Beers, The Diamond Report, which also includes an editorial on the key forces shaping a positive future for natural diamonds by EVP Corporate Affairs & Strategy and Chief Economist, Eirik Wærness; an analysis of US jewellery retail trends; perspectives from leading US designers and retailers on how the diamond buying experience is evolving; and reflections on the role natural diamonds can play in supporting socioeconomic progress for the people and places where they are discovered.

The report also notes that natural diamond sales are increasing across US independent jewellers, with Point of Sales data from 950 retailers showing sales grew 4% and 9% year-on-year in Q4 2025 and Q1 2026, respectively. Coloured and low-coloured diamonds (those in the K – Z colour range) promoted by De Beers Group’s ‘Desert diamonds’ campaign outperformed, with sales growth of 15% and 19%, respectively.

The same data shows that while synthetic lab-grown diamond jewellery sales are increasing in volume, declining retail prices mean their value share of demand remains relatively low at 15% of independent jewellers’ diamond sales, compared with 85% for natural diamonds in 2025. In addition, there is a noticeable drop-off in sales once synthetic lab-grown diamonds reach 3 carats or larger in size, suggesting that consumers may feel synthetic lab-grown diamonds beyond this size could look too big. The report notes this could mean that as synthetic lab-grown diamond prices continue to decline in line with the multi-year trend already experienced, retailers may be unable to upsell to larger sizes, which could result in lower overall sales and impact long-term gross profits.

Eirik Wærness said: “The diamond industry is evolving at pace with both supply and demand-side dynamics shaping the industry’s future. On the supply side, declining global production of natural diamonds is expected to support an improved supply-demand balance over the coming years. On the demand-side, a resilient US economy and stabilisation of demand in China saw global natural diamond demand return to growth in 2025 while the industry’s marketing efforts are showing encouraging signs of momentum. With retail returns from synthetic lab-grown diamonds likely to come under pressure in the future, we expect retailers will increasingly differentiate them from natural diamonds in their sales strategies. As these fundamentals continue to stabilise, the industry has a significant opportunity to reinforce the value of natural diamonds and support long-term growth.”

11/06/2026

Legal Scholar Seeks to Join Landmark Same-Sex Marriage Case as Friend of the Court

BY ANDREW THULO

Gaborone based attorney, human rights scholar and University of Botswana law lecturer Dr Onthatile Moeti has applied to the High Court for permission to participate as amicus curiae (friend of the court) in the closely watched same-sex marriage case involving applicants Bonolo Selelo and Tsholofelo Kumile.

Court documents filed in Gaborone reveal that Dr Moeti is seeking leave to make written and oral submissions and to introduce evidence aimed at assisting the court in determining constitutional and human rights issues arising from the matter.

The application has been filed against the backdrop of an ongoing legal challenge concerning the recognition of a same-sex marriage, a case that has attracted considerable public attention and sparked debate on equality, constitutional rights and the future of family law in Botswana.

In her founding affidavit, Dr Moeti argues that her extensive academic background, legal experience and research in human rights law place her in a unique position to assist the court. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Law from the University of Glasgow, a Master of Laws in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa from the University of Pretoria, and other postgraduate qualifications from the University of Botswana.

She is currently a lecturer in law at the University of Botswana and serves as Legal Counsel before the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights.

According to the application, Dr Moeti intends to address several issues she believes are not likely to be fully canvassed by the parties to the dispute. These include the protection of women's rights in a constitutional democracy, the interpretation of equality and freedom of expression, the relevance of public opinion in human rights matters, and the significance of Botswana's traditional values of Botho and human dignity in determining questions relating to same-sex marriage.

Dr Moeti further proposes to place before the court comparative jurisprudence and international human rights materials showing how courts and governments in other jurisdictions have approached the issue of same-sex marriage.

She contends that such perspectives would assist the court in navigating complex constitutional questions and understanding evolving international legal standards.

"The submissions will be distinct from those made by the parties and will be of great assistance to the court," she argues in the affidavit.

The legal scholar also maintains that equality and non-discrimination are not only constitutional concepts but principles deeply rooted in Botswana's values and traditions.

In support of the application, attorney Kago Mokotedi filed a confirmatory affidavit, stating that Dr Moeti's participation would be important in what he describes as an "important constitutional matter" and would assist the court in reaching a just determination.

An amicus curiae is not a party to litigation but is allowed to provide expertise, legal arguments or relevant information that may assist the court in resolving issues of public importance.

The High Court will now have to decide whether Dr Moeti's proposed intervention will add value to the proceedings and whether her participation is in the interests of justice.

The underlying case, which concerns the recognition of a same-sex marriage, is expected to test the interpretation of constitutional guarantees relating to equality, dignity and non-discrimination, and could have far-reaching implications for Botswana's legal landscape.

If admitted as amicus curiae, Dr Moeti will be permitted to submit written arguments, present oral submissions and adduce evidence in support of the court's consideration of the issues before it.

11/06/2026

BTO Board Secretary Rushes to Court to Halt Disciplinary Hearing

BY JOSEPH LEGAU

The suspended Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) Board Secretary has launched an urgent High Court application seeking to stop disciplinary proceedings against him, arguing that the process is unlawful, procedurally unfair and tainted by pre-determination.

In papers filed before the Industrial Court, the applicant Kgotso Ollyn is seeking an order interdicting BTO, its officers and agents from proceeding with a disciplinary hearing, pending the establishment of an independent panel to review issues surrounding the disciplinary process.

Ollyn also wants the court to declare that his suspension by the Minister of Environment and Tourism was unlawful and beyond the powers granted under the Botswana Tourism Organisation Act. Ollyn further contends that the suspension violated the organisation's Conditions of Service and should therefore be declared null and void.

According to court documents, the applicant learnt through social media on February 11, 2026 that both he and the BTO Chief Executive Officer had been suspended with immediate effect. He later received formal suspension letters indicating that investigations were underway.

The court papers state that no interview was conducted with the applicant during the investigation period and that he only received a notice of disciplinary hearing on May 27, 2026.

The applicant's legal team subsequently attempted to engage BTO in discussions aimed at an amicable settlement, citing the fact that his employment contract is due to expire in January 2027. However, the organisation allegedly rejected the proposal and elected to proceed with the disciplinary process.

In his application, the suspended Board Secretary argues that the disciplinary proceedings are fundamentally flawed. Among the alleged irregularities are claims that the suspension was imposed by a Minister who lacked the legal authority to do so and that the disciplinary process had effectively been predetermined before he was afforded a hearing.

"The Board has predetermined the outcome of the hearing by having taken a decision to summarily dismiss the Applicant without having subjected him to a disciplinary hearing," Ollyn states in his court documents through his attorneys Monthe Marumo and Company.

The applicant further complains that he was summoned to a disciplinary hearing without first receiving the investigation report, witness statements or other evidence upon which the charges are based.

According to the filing, the disciplinary process "had now ceased to become a fair process likely to lead to any fair outcome" and could no longer be salvaged.

BTO, however, indicated in correspondence dated June 3, 2026 that it intended to respond to the concerns raised during the disciplinary hearing itself. The organisation also assured the applicant that any relevant documents in its possession would be made available upon request. The letter stated: "Let's be clear that the disciplinary hearing will be conducted under a fair and transparent environment."

The applicant argues that allowing the hearing to proceed would cause irreparable damage to his reputation and professional standing as an attorney. He contends that any dismissal or sanction arising from what he describes as a defective process would have far-reaching consequences for his livelihood and credibility.

The case is before Justice Dr Godwill Makofi.

11/06/2026

Board Takes Bold Steps to Wran Gambling Authority Out of Government Subvention

10/06/2026

Ramoroka Appointed Director of Information Services

Veteran journalist Thebeyame Ramoroka has been appointed a substantive Director of Information Services.

10/06/2026

Gambling Authority Job Vacancies

10/06/2026

Murder Accused Regains Bail After High Court Finds No Risk to Justice

BY JOSEPH LEGAU

The High Court has granted bail to a man accused of murder after finding no evidence that his release would threaten witnesses, undermine the justice system, or result in him absconding before trial.

Justice Tshekiso Tshekiso upheld the release of Stanley Banda, who is facing a murder charge stemming from the alleged killing of a person in Kazungula in June 2023. Justice Tshekiso delivered his reasons after ordering Banda's release on bail.

Banda had been on bail for nearly two years while awaiting trial. However, his bail was automatically revoked on April 7, 2026, when he was committed to stand trial before the High Court, as required by Botswana's criminal procedure laws.

The court heard that the investigating officer considered Banda a suitable candidate for bail, noting that he had complied with all bail conditions during the period he was previously at liberty. The officer further stated that investigations had been completed and that Banda posed no threat to state witnesses. According to the affidavit, the accused resides in Hubona village, far from Kazungula where the alleged offence occurred, and no complaints of witness interference had been reported while he was on bail.

Although the family of the deceased opposed the bail application, they did not provide reasons for their objection.

In his ruling, Justice Tshekiso said the court is required to refuse bail only where there is evidence that an accused person is likely to endanger the public, evade trial, interfere with witnesses, undermine the justice system, or threaten public peace and security.

"No allegation or evidence have been placed before me that any of the grounds upon which the court should refuse to grant bail pending trial exist," the Judge said. "It is safe to conclude that none have been established."

The Judge observed that while it is understandable for the family of a deceased person to oppose the release of someone accused of killing their loved one, such opposition must be supported by objective reasons.

"The determinative factor is the interest of justice," Justice Tshekiso said. "It is not enough, in my view, for the victim to merely state an objection without justifying the objection."

Beyond the bail decision itself, the Judge raised broader concerns about how bail applications are handled after accused persons are committed for trial. He suggested that such applications should ordinarily be filed as interlocutory matters within the criminal trial itself and be heard by the same judge assigned to the trial, rather than by different Judges.

Justice Tshekiso also called for consideration of possible legislative reforms to strengthen the role of victims in bail proceedings. He suggested that Parliament may wish to amend the law to allow victims or their families to be represented by lawyers of their choice, at their own expense, where their views differ from those of the prosecution.

The Judge ultimately concluded that the interests of justice favoured Banda's release.

"On the facts placed before me, I considered that the interest of justice permitted the release of the applicant on bail," he ruled.

Banda remains accused of murder and is expected to stand trial before the High Court. The ruling relates only to his release on bail pending the determination of the criminal case.

10/06/2026

P1.57 Billion Water Tender Dispute Deepens Amid Allegations of Official Bias

*As court proceedings continue, the Ministry refuses to answer questions on disputed CVs, tender decisions and allegations of unfair treatment against Tawana Joint Venture (JV)

BY ANDREW THULO

The Ministry of Water and Human Settlement has declined to answer a series of questions regarding the controversial P1.57 billion Gantsi South and Kgalagadi North Villages Water Supply Project tender, citing ongoing court proceedings and an investigation by the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC).

The Ministry was asked to respond to allegations surrounding the procurement process, including claims that some Curriculum Vitae (CVs) submitted by one of the bidders, China Civil Joint Venture (JV), were unsigned and that concerns over bid evaluations and tender adjudication had been raised during the award process.

Questions were also directed at the role played by senior Ministry officials in advising the then Accounting Officer, Dr Kekgonne Baipoledi, during the adjudication process, as well as reports that rival bidder Tawana JV had been reported to the DCEC in May 2026 over allegations relating to forged CVs.

In a brief written response, the Ministry said it was unable to discuss the matter because it is currently before the courts.

"The issue you enquired about is before the courts of law and as such we are restricted to discuss the matter at hand," the Ministry said.

The Ministry further confirmed that the matter is the subject of an investigation by the DCEC.

"Secondly, the matter is being investigated by the DCEC following the ruling of the Procurement Tribunal judgement," the Ministry stated.

The response leaves unanswered a number of questions surrounding the tender process, including how concerns regarding allegedly unsigned CVs were handled during evaluation, the basis upon which the China Civil JV was recommended for the award despite its reportedly higher bid price, and whether any procurement recommendations were amended or overridden during the adjudication process.

The Ministry also declined to comment on allegations that certain officials unfairly targeted Tawana JV during and after the procurement process.

The disputed tender has become the subject of litigation and scrutiny following proceedings before the Procurement Tribunal, with rival bidders challenging aspects of the procurement process. The Tribunal's findings subsequently prompted a DCEC investigation into issues arising from the tender.

For now, the Ministry maintains that it cannot comment further while the matter remains before the courts and under investigation.

10/06/2026

Apology and Clarification

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