06 Jun 2016

Mr Godirilemang Seane, one of the victims of BCL Mine tragedy that claimed four lives, was laid to rest in Tumasera on Sunday.

Many from all walks of life descended on Tumasera to bid farewell to the 34-year-old Mr Seane, who served the mine for nine years.

Grief could also be drawn from utterances from different speakers especially family members.

It was also evident that they expected so much from him.

One of the relatives, Mr Golang  Moebu  said it was great sorrow for such a life to have been cut short.

He said the deceased helped his family move some steps away from poverty. Mr Seane also had great sense of humor and was humble.

A friend of the deceased, Mr Mathogonolo Oathotse  said they grew up together.

Mr Oathotse said after a previous similar tragedy at the same mine, the deceased told him that he had intension to leave the mine.

He said the deceased had a plan to retire from his job and relocate to the cattlepost citing life threating conditions at the mine.

BCL Mine representative, Mr Tobokani Mosetlha said due to his hard work, knowledge and skills, Mr Seane was trained and promoted to the position of miner in charge on August 1, 2012.

At this level, he said, the deceased supervisory responsibilities and accountabilities included making safe all work areas before anyone could start any work and supervising drilling, blasting and lashing.

He said the deceased was always punctual and had all good attributes of an upcoming supervisor.

Mr Mosetlha said the deceased joined BCL as a work man on February 22, 2007 and was later promoted to the position of machine man.

Representative of Botswana Mine Workres Union, Mr Salumba Tlhagale  said the  death of Mr Seane left them in deep regret, sadness, sorrow  and came as a shock, pointing out that the mine experienced similar accident  in June last year where three lives were lost.

Mr Tlhagale regretted that the attitude of BCL Mine management had always been less receptive  of precautionary measures proposed by the union

“It is our firm belief that had people who have power and authority to change things at BCL Mine did something, the situation would not be what it is today,” he said.

The Minister of Health, also Member of Parliament for Sefhare/ Ramokgonami, Ms Dorcas Makgato,  said it was neither government’s intension nor employer to experience such tragedy, saying that it was an accident.

However, Ms Makgato said government had commissioned an independent investigation into the accident.

Also, she said Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources was committed to achieving zero harm in mines. ENDS