𝐁𝐎𝐓𝐒𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐃
Botswana’s economic resilience is being tested as the global diamond market faces a prolonged and painful downturn that has unsettled the country’s finances and exposed its reliance on a single commodity.
In a move viewed as a significant warning signal, S&P Global Ratings downgraded Botswana’s longterm sovereign credit rating from ‘BBB+’ to ‘BBB’, citing falling diamond revenues and a rapidly deteriorating fiscal position. The outlook was set to negative, reflecting deep concerns that weak external demand and fiscal pressures could persist.
For Botswana, often praised for careful financial stewardship, the downgrade signals a turning point with serious consequences.The diamond industry has long stood as the backbone of Botswana’s economy, historically contributing around seventy percent of export earnings, a third of fiscal revenue, and roughly a quarter of gross domestic product.
Since late 2023, the sector has been in steep decline, battered by sluggish demand from China and the United States, growing competition from synthetic diamonds, and a broader pullback in luxury spending. The combination of falling prices and volumes has left producers struggling. What once looked like a stable pillar of prosperity now appears increasingly fragile and dangerously exposed to global volatility.
#botswana #china

121 political killings dockets returned to KZN task team amid interference claims

A total of 121 case dockets linked to political killings in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) have been returned to the province’s Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), following allegations that senior officials interfered with investigations.

KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of undermining the PKTT to protect politically connected individuals.

Mkhwanazi said Mchunu ordered the unit’s disbandment in March 2025, transferring the dockets to SAPS headquarters in Pretoria, allegedly stalling cases to shield figures including businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and political operative Brown Mogotsi. Reports claim WhatsApp messages and forensic evidence support these allegations.

Since its formation in 2018, the PKTT has secured 436 arrests and 128 convictions, including 29 life sentences, in over 600 cases of political violence in the province. The return of the dockets follows public pressure and the creation of the Madlanga Commission, led by retired Constitutional Court judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga, which will investigate interference claims.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, who placed Mchunu on special leave, described the situation as a “serious threat to national security.” While an internal SAPS report disputes Mkhwanazi’s allegations, admitting only procedural flaws, families of victims continue to demand justice. The reinstatement of the dockets is seen as a vital step toward accountability in KZN’s politically charged murder cases.

𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐄𝐎 𝐌𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐊 𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐁𝐎𝐀𝐑𝐃

Acting CEO of the Botswana Gambling Authority (GA), Moruntshi Kemorwale, is facing accusations of attempting to discredit former board members as their possible reinstatement looms.

The board was dissolved earlier this month without explanation, but sources indicate it could be reinstated soon. The Tuesday Grill has seen internal communication in which Kemorwale urges executive management to provide any information that could incriminate former board members.

In one message, he wrote:
“Evening colleagues. We continue to receive reports from employees about some past Gambling Authority Board members who made sexual advances and possible sexual harassment postures towards staff members. We will compile a list for possible enquiry. I have already alerted relevant authorities about such incidents. It is unfortunate that our female staff had to undergo such trauma.”

He further added:
“Team, in light of the serious nature of matters of sexual harassment levelled against some former Board members, I have taken the liberty to invite forensic psychologist, Dr Selemogwe, to address staff on the subject matter on Monday at 09h00, after which staff members will be encouraged to speak out to her privately. She will then compile a report for assessment for possible action, including counselling of victims.”

However, insiders at GA claim some of the allegations are false and part of a campaign to discredit the former board, which is expected to return next month. The same sources allege Kemorwale played a role in the suspension of CEO Peter Kesitilwe and has had strained relations with the previous board, though this has not been independently verified.

When approached for comment, Kemorwale said only: “I cannot confirm nor deny.”

Some predict that the return of the previous led by Marvin Torto might see Kemorwale return to his position or Chief of Staff with Kesitilwe returning to work.
#botswana

German Mother Delivers 13-Pound Baby Girl Without C-Section

In a remarkable birth in Leipzig, Germany, a mother delivered a 13.47-pound baby girl named Jasleen — measuring nearly 23 inches long — without undergoing a C-section. (July 29, 2013)

According to the hospital, the mother arrived in labor and was found to have undiagnosed gestational diabetes, a condition that can lead to unusually large babies if untreated.

“We anticipated the child would be big,” said Holger Stepan, chief of obstetrics. “We assembled a special team of doctors and midwives to be prepared for any possible complications.” Stepan noted he had never before assisted in the birth of such a heavy baby.

Jasleen’s extraordinary size places her among the largest newborns in Germany, though far from the Guinness World Record — held by a baby born in Seville, Ohio, in 1879, who weighed more than 23 pounds but survived only 11 hours.
#guinnessworldrecord #germany #leipzig

𝗗𝗘𝗕𝗦𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗨𝗣 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗚𝗠'𝘀 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗨𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞

As momentum builds for the upcoming GM's Charity Walk, Debswana has unveiled its sponsors for the event.

The main sponsor deemed "Diamond Sponsor" has been announced as EH Construction which is funding the initiative to the tune of P1 million.

Slated for 23rd August under the theme "A Walk for Water," the event is aimed at raising funds to address water challenges experienced in Boteti.

In 2024, OLDM committed to fund the refurbishment of a Theatre at Rakops Primary Hospital to meet regulatory requirements at a cost of P4.2 million.

The project which is intended to improve clinical outcomes of emergencies in Boteti District as Rakops Primary Hospital does not offer theatre services but refers patients to other hospitals.

The refurbishment commenced in June 2025 and the project is expected to be completed by end of September 2025 with revised total cost of P5.3 million.