De Beers donation to High Court arouses criticism

De Beers Botswana has made a 100,000 pula ($15,000) donation directly to the country's High Court, bringing accusations of interference in the judicial system. The company has also announced plans for further donations.

The gift comes as De Beers Botswana is immersed in a legal battle with the Botswana Mine Workers Union (BMWU) over the sacking of 461 mine workers who went on strike in 2004.

BMWU secretary-general Jack Tlhagale said the donation should have been made to a ministry and not directly to the High Court.