Head of Botswana Diamond Hub Replaced

Dr Akolang Tombale, the Botswana Diamond Hub Coordinator, has been replaced over the weekend. Jacob Thamage, who served as director of mineral affairs at the ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water resources, is replacing Tombale, IDEX Online has learned.

At press time, it was not clear if Dr Tombale has resigned or has been replaced.

According to initial reports, Thamage’s appointment is temporary. The next Diamond Hub Coordinator is slated to be Gebaake Gebaake, who currently serves as the Permanent Secretary at the ministry.

Thamage is familiar with the diamond industry, working, among other things, on the Kimberley Process where he led a KP review mission to Israel.