It is called the star of Africa and is the world’s largest diamond at a whopping 530 carats. Today it is owned by the British monarchy, but it was originally found in South Africa in 1905. The diamond was once given as a gift to the late King Edward VII of Great Britain, because South Africa was a British colony. But now several people believe that the diamonds were taken from South Africa while the British oppressed them. The actual diamond that was found was 3,100 carats. An employee shows off a replica of the Cullinan diamond at the Diamond Museum in Cape Town, South Africa. The real diamond is in London. Photo: Reuters Several large diamonds were cut from it, as well as many small ones. Two of the large diamonds, officially named Cullinan I and II are found on the crown and scepter which now belong to King Charles. – The diamonds must return to South Africa, says activist and lawyer Mothusi Kamanga. – Took it while they oppressed The activist believes it is time for the diamonds to be returned, and has started a signature campaign to get them home to South Africa. Activist and lawyer Mothusi Kamanga believes the diamonds must return to South Africa. Photo: Reuters – I think in general the African people are starting to realize that decolonizing is not just about letting people have certain rights, but it is also about taking back what has been expropriated from us, he tells the Reuters news agency – They ( the diamonds, journ.anm.) must be a sign of our pride, our heritage and our culture. He is not alone in wanting this. So far, he has received over 8,000 signatures. – I think it should be brought home because they took it from us during the repression, says Mohamed Abdulahi, who lives in Johannesburg. When Charles is crowned he will wear St. Edward’s crown and scepter. Photo: AP While others do not have such strong opinions about the diamonds. – I don’t think it matters anymore. Things have changed, we are developing, says resident Dieketseng Nzhadzhaba. Stolen or not stolen? Discussions about returning valuable assets came up in particular after Queen Elizabeth died in September last year. The British royal family sits on a billion-dollar inheritance, with several of the assets dating back to when they were a major colonial power. Therefore, several people believe that the royal family is still profiting from the colonial era. The crown of the Queen Mother was adorned with the Koh-i-Noordiamanten. It will not be used during the coronation. Photo: AP An Indian economist has previously counted on that, and estimates that the British plundered India for around NOK 450,000 billion during 200 years as a colonial power. And one of the artifacts that India wants back is the Koh-i-Noordiamanten. The crown that Queen Camilla was originally supposed to wear on Saturday is adorned with the large Koh-i-Noordiamant. It is one of the world’s most expensive diamonds. Since independence from the British in 1947, the Indian authorities have tried to get the British to give it back, without success. They claim it was stolen. Earlier this year, the royal family decided that Queen Camilla should not wear the Koh-i-Noordia diamond, but rather the Cullinan diamonds. As is the diamonds activist Mothusi Kamanga wants to return home to South Africa. Also listen:
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