22 Dec 2014

Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) senior safety and sustainable development manager, Mr George Sehunelo has been applauded for his outstanding performance at the Anglo-Applaud awards.

Though, he came second in the Anglo American’s employee recognition programme, OLDM outgoing general manager, Dr Adrian Gale said on December 18, during an event organised to hand over the gifts, that the feat had convinced them that they had sent a strong competitor.

“Unfortunately he was not the winner but was a runner up, nevertheless it was a humble performance and shows that we sent good competitor especially that it was the first time Debswana took part in this competition, let alone De Beers,” Dr Gale said.

Dr Gale said the event marked the celebration of an outstanding achievement of an individual and teams who were helping them to deliver their strategic priorities in four areas, which were safety, sustainable development, partnership and innovation.

He said facts speak for themselves as there were positive decline in accidents and near heads were also reported.  Dr Gale outlined that in 2011 about 1 300 near heads were reported, while 5 000 were reported in 2012. In 2013, 7 000 near heads were reported and in 2014 the number had risen to 30 000.

He said it was a sign that people were positively recognising the risks. Dr Gale said Mr Sehunelo, who initiated that, came up with quantum series and brought all stakeholders on board and his efforts led to significant improvements in awareness of risks and significant reduction of the risks.

As a result, he said it was a privilege for him to be nominated for the award.

For his part, Mr Sehunelo, who said his nomination was a surprise, pointed out that his achievement was through the support of his team and management.

When they started culture enhancement strategy dubbed Quantum series in 2011, he said Debswana was not doing well. The change culture strategy, he said instilled sense of accountability across all operations.

Due to this series, he said the organisation leaped to good performance. He said he believed in success and excellence He thanked his team and leadership for embracing the concept adding that 2015 would be a challenging year and should do better that the previous years. ENDS