Botswana diamond workers allege exploitation in factories
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Weekendpost
Botswana’s diamond workers’ union alleges low wages, insecure contracts and long working days at some cutting and polishing factories. The accusations undermine Botswana’s ethical diamond image as the global market faces weak demand and competition from lab-grown stones, Weekendpost reports.
Botswana’s diamond workers’ union accuses some diamond-cutting and polishing factories of subjecting employees to low wages, insecure contracts, long working hours and intimidation linked to union organising. The allegations, which include claims concerning Indian migrant workers, were reported by Weekendpost.
The controversy puts to the test Botswana’s image as an ethical diamond producer, built around its industry. It comes as global diamond trade suffers from weak demand, falling prices and growing competition from lab-grown stones.
The country developed local cutting and polishing to create jobs, pass on skills and retain more value within its borders, rather than exporting rough stones. But operating costs there are significantly higher than in established centres such as Surat, India. Historical industry estimates put the cost of cutting and polishing in Botswana at between $60 and $65 per carat.
Diamonds have funded Botswana’s infrastructure, public services and government spending for decades. State-owned Okavango Diamond Company sold diamonds worth 3.3 billion pula in nine months, according to a report published on 19 October. This activity forms part of a broader debate on diversifying Botswana’s economy, advocated by Vice-President Ndaba Gaolathe on 27 September.
