Diamonds in the Rough as Workers Revolt

Diamond workers set to launch a nationwide campaign for higher wages and greater benefits from diamond wealth, arguing that the industry continues to generate billions while employees remain poor Diamond workers are set to launch labour campaigns across Botswana’s mining value chain, accusing the industry of generating immense wealth while leaving many of the workers who create that value trapped in poverty. The Botswana Diamond Workers Union (BDWU) has revealed plans to roll out a nationwide campaign under the theme “Diamonds for Development, Decent Work and Dignity for All Workers”, aimed at pushing for higher wages, stronger labour protections, improved localisation of jobs, and greater accountability in the management of the country’s diamond resources. The campaign comes amid growing frustration among workers employed in diamond cutting, polishing, sorting and processing companies, many of whom reportedly earn between P1,900 and P3,000 per month despite operating in an industry widely regarded as the backbone of Botswana’s economy.

In a concept note launching the initiative, the union argues that while diamonds have generated billions of pula for national development, many workers continue to face economic hardship, retrenchments, unfair dismissals, workplace intimidation and limited opportunities for advancement. BDWU National Chairperson Dominic Mapoka said the campaign seeks to confront what he described as a widening gap between the wealth generated by diamonds and the living conditions of workers. “Botswana’s diamonds must benefit those who create their value.

Every worker deserves fair wages, decent work, dignity, protection and a meaningful share in the country’s natural wealth,” Mapoka said. He said the union is demanding a review of wage structures across the diamond processing sector, arguing that current salaries are no longer sufficient in the face of rising living costs affecting households. Mapoka added that workers are increasingly questioning how an industry that has transformed Botswana’s economic fortunes continues to leave many employees struggling to make ends meet.

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The campaign also calls for the introduction of a “living wage”, alongside stronger protections against retrenchments and unfair dismissals. The union further plans to scrutinise skills development programmes and localisation commitments, arguing that citizen workers often remain stuck in low-level positions despite long-standing promises that diamond beneficiation would create skilled employment opportunities for Batswana.

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