A couple of months ago Botswana found itself on the map yet again when a historical large diamond was found in our midst. The diamond dubbed Lesedi La Rona was uncovered by Lucara Diamond Corp at its Karowe mine in November last year in what was described as a ‘once in a lifetime discovery’. The unfortunate part is that it continues to be irrelevant to the locals.
Batswana complain that they are cut out from shinning with this diamond. The latest blow being that it was shown off by a foreign model Charlene Bonnithon. “Gosh and its even being showcased by some model who isn’t even from here? The least you could have done was to at least push for it to be showcased by a local model Kaone Kario or Emma.This diamond was never ours,” a disgruntled citizen posted on Botswana Government Facebook page.
“We as Batswana never seize moments. We have had a gem that has shocked the world. In more than 100 years no diamond this big and of this quality has been discovered. I am disappointed in that although Government invests in Arts through the fashion shows and beauty pageants to produce models who may penetrate the world market and be even bigger Naomi Cambells of this world,” said aspiring youth leader Bruce Nkgakile.
Independent reports say the Lesedi la Rona has the potential to yield the largest top-quality diamond that has ever been cut and polished. The record is currently held by the pear-shaped Great Star of Africa, which came from the Cullinan and weighs 530.20 carats.
