Okavango Parts Company with its Managing Director
November 26, 25
(IDEX Online) - Botswana's Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) is parting company at short notice with its managing director Mmetla Masire.
The government-owned rough diamond marketing company said in a statement that the separation was "an amicable and mutually agreed decision," but there are reports that he may have actually been dismissed from his position.
Botswana's Mmegi Online news website ran a story headlined "Masire 'sacked 'as ODC Managing Director", in which it says staff were briefed last Friday (21 November) about the board's decision to relieve Masire of his duties.
ODC's statement gave no reason for Masire's departure, although it thanked him for his dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the company's growth.
He will leave the company next Monday (1 December), ODC said. Lipalesa Makepe, the chief financial officer, will act as interim replacement.
Masire joined the company in 2021 form Botswana's Minerals Ministry, where he served as permanent secretary.
He oversaw the unprecedented tender of 1m carats on 25 September, which failed to sell a single stone.
Pic, courtesy ODC, shows Mmetla Masire.