Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB), as part of its Social Performance Programme, recently conducted a graduation ceremony for women basket weavers from the villages of Shakawe and Samochima in the Okavango District Region.
Over the past four months, these artisans underwent specialised training in Product Development and Quality Control, aimed at enhancing both the quality and market readiness of their woven products. This initiative is geared towards transforming traditional crafting methods into sustainable income streams, with the potential for expansion into regional and international markets.
During the ceremony, Kgosi Koloi of Samochima Village emphasized the cultural significance of basket weaving, noting it as a heritage craft that women in the community have successfully adapted into profitable ventures. He expressed gratitude to DTCB for recognising this craft’s commercial viability and for empowering women, many of whom are primary financial providers for their families. “By learning to produce high-quality baskets that can compete on an international scale, we not only uplift these artisans but also fortify our community as a whole,” stated Kgosi Koloi.
Kgosi Moetse of Shakawe also acknowledged DTCB’s investment in the women’s empowerment initiatives, articulating a deeper understanding of the phrase, “Diamonds are for all.”
MacDonald Motsele, Corporate Affairs Manager at DTCB, elaborated that the basket weaving program is integral to the company’s comprehensive Social Performance Strategy, which prioritises the development of sustainable livelihoods throughout Botswana. He highlighted that this initiative is a milestone within a P2.6 million project dedicated to the construction of a dedicated basket weaving workshop with an exhibition space in Samochima. Upon completion, this facility will enhance the artisans’ access to larger markets, including tourist populations traversing the Okavango Region.
Through such initiatives, DTCB continues to nurture cultural preservation, community empowerment, and the establishment of sustainable economic opportunities for women in Botswana.
