22 May 2017

The newly launched edge 360 degrees security model is expected among others to save costs and enhance efficiency at the Jwaneng mine.

Jwaneng mine general manager Mr Albert Milton said during the launch of the Debswana home brewed initiative last Friday.

Mr Milton said the name edge 360 degrees is an expression of  a  burning desire and long standing wish to look at business in its entirety and become the best they could be in the mining industry.
With ‘edge’ he shared that Jwaneng mine which is the biggest mine in the world by value, expressed the passion and intensity behind all its operations.

Mr Milton was of the view that if the 360 degrees model could be optimised to the world benchmark status, the positive energy it emits would extend to all Batswana and the nation would soon be known across the globe for productivity.

“Count it as a privilege to be serving here because your contribution is very crucial to the nation,” he told the miners.

He has thus commended Debswana head of security, Mr Mpho Kewakae and senior security manager for the Jwaneng mine also certified security management professional Mr Thatayaone Keitumetse and his team for taking security to the highest level possible.

Mr Milton furthermore revealed that the World Bank vice president, Mr Makhtar Diop who visited the Jwaneng mine on Wednesday, was also impressed with the figures they posted and described them as world class.

Meanwhile Mr Milton, a stickler for education, further shared that Jwaneng mine would apply the edge 360 degrees concept on schools within its zone of influence to motivate learners to develop keen interest in their studies.

He pledged that the mine would offer outstanding performers mouth-watering prizes to urge others to read more.

He argued that with good education, learners from areas adjacent to the mine would be able to sustain themselves far beyond the lifespan of the mining activity in their area.

In his overview, Mr Keitumetse was happy to share that the new strategy has saved them overtime costs worth over P900 000.

Mr Keitumetse explained that the initiative also helped them realise that all along a high number of workers was usually engaged to work overtime even during low peak hours but without necessarily taking key focus areas into cognisance.

He observed that the reduction in overtime work has since improved staff morale.

Mr Keitumetse revealed that they had spent P315 Million on the project to ensure security was internalised by all and infused into the full value chain.

He said their level of maturity scored 90 per cent and was rated proactive by a five stage annual maturity process, only one step shy of the resilient stage which is world class.

“That’s why we keep coming up with strategies that will lead us to the resilient stage, we will find new ways, set demanding targets and take tough decisions,” he said.

Mr Keitumetse further added that the security model would make them a credible, approachable and value adding business partner.

The motivational speaker for the day and managing director of Nikanotes consultancy Dr Ditiro Majadibodu encouraged every miner to internalise the strategy and apply it on every dimension of their lives.

“Whatever you do today, do it to the best of your ability because tomorrow you will reap what you sow. You are older than you were when you came here this morning, start planning for the future at least for your children because someday you won't be here. It doesn’t make sense for you to buy a car worth over P200 000 without a place to park it. You can start today, its never too late to change and you are never too old to dream,” he advised.

Mr Kewakae, on the othe hand, thanked Jwaneng mine top brass for creating a conducive environment for security to thrive.

He said they had a cross pollination of agents across all the mine operations thanks to the leadership. ENDS