27 Mar 2019

The article that appeared in this week’s Sunday Standard newspaper under the headline, ‘The San of Khwedom pray ancestors to curse Botswana diamonds’ is unfortunate and regrettable, according to a news release from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.

The release says government is consistently and continuously engaging with Khwedom Council and other advocacy groups within the country on various issues of mutual concern and interest.

Notwithstanding that, the ministry wishes to note that the comments attributed to Khwedom leadership will not, in any way, deter government from continuously promoting and sustaining meaningful dialogue between stakeholders.  

Government attaches great importance to dialogue and inclusive approach to development issues of mutual concern that may be raised by any interest group, the release says.

The ministry further wishes to encourage advocacy groups such as Khwedom Council to engage with government in an open, sincere and transparent manner. 

The media is equally advised to undertake research on the issue to ensure fair, balanced and accurate reporting, it says. ends