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*Russell Simmons has released another statement regarding his 9-day fact-finding mission in South Africa and Botswana with the Simmons Jewelry Company delegation.
The rap titan met with local Botswanian media Thursday morning to discuss his observations from the trip thus far. The delegation, which has already toured the largest and richest diamond mine for value in the world in Jwaneng, Botswana, as well as the mine hospital and a primary school in town, where they spent time with the local students, is eagerly looking forward to the rest of the exploratory trip.
“We are encouraged to see, firsthand, how the diamond industry in Botswana empowers the people of this nation,” Simmons said. “It makes a dramatic difference in the quality of life of the people of Botswana. After meeting with President Festus Mogae, I am even more encouraged by his vision for the future of Botswana. The partnership between the government of Botswana and DeBeers can serve as a model for other extractive industries in Africa."
Russell and his wife Kimora Lee Simmons will meet before the press again on Dec. 5 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York “to report the facts uncovered on this mission and to announce groundbreaking initiatives,” said a press release.