Debswana Honoured by AUSC for Decades of Outstanding Support to Sport Development

(3 Minutes Read)

The African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 has bestowed a prestigious Medal of Honour upon Debswana Diamond Company, acknowledging the company’s exceptional and sustained contribution to the advancement of sport within the region. This notable recognition highlights Debswana’s long standing commitment to promoting sports development, fostering youth participation, and supporting regional athletic initiatives.

The AUSC Region 5, which functions under the African Union’s mandate to enhance sports across the continent, is composed of ten member nations: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The Medal of Honour is one of the region’s highest accolades for organisations that have made a tangible and lasting impact on sports and community engagement.

The award was formally presented at a ceremony held recently in Namibia, with Debswana’s Executive Head of Corporate Affairs, Rachel Mothibatsela, accepting the honour on behalf of the company. In her acceptance remarks, Mothibatsela expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating: “Debswana is truly honoured to be recognised by the African Union Sports Council. This award is a testament to the unwavering support and investment we have made in sports development in Botswana for more than three decades.”

She went on to reaffirm the company’s purpose, encapsulated in its mission to “Make Life Brilliant for Batswana,” noting that this purpose is clearly reflected in Debswana’s sustained contributions to sports. These efforts have played a vital role in nurturing local talent and enabling athletes to compete—and excel—on the international stage.

“Diamonds from Botswana contribute far beyond the economic realm,” Mothibatsela added. “They help build dreams, empower youth, and uplift communities. This award recognises the collective dedication of our employees and partners who continue to drive positive change through sport.”

Debswana’s involvement in sports development spans partnerships with major national sports bodies, including the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC), the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC), and several affiliated associations and initiatives. The company’s enduring commitment is evident in its financial contributions and grassroots engagement.

A cornerstone of Debswana’s sports support strategy has been its investment in the Re Ba Bona Ha programme—a grassroots sports development initiative launched in 2008. To date, the company has invested over P16.7 million in this flagship programme, designed to identify and nurture young sporting talent across Botswana.

Read Also;

https://trendsnafrica.com/botswana-high-court-halts-sale-of-debswana-assets-amid-p38-million-dispute/

Furthermore, Debswana has contributed more than P2 million to support Botswana’s participation in both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games. These efforts have yielded remarkable results: at the Tokyo Olympics, Botswana secured a bronze medal in the men’s 4×400 metres relay. At the Paris Olympics, the nation celebrated further success with a gold medal in the 200 metres and a silver in the 4×400 metres relay.

Through these achievements, Debswana has demonstrated how corporate support can make a meaningful difference in the lives of athletes and the sporting success of a nation. This latest recognition by AUSC Region 5 affirms Debswana’s role as a vital partner in shaping the future of sport in Botswana and across Southern Africa.