06 Nov 2017

Jwaneng mine recently awarded certificates to 111 employees who have served Debswana for 20, 25, 30 and 35 years.

Speaking at the award ceremony recently, Jwaneng mine general manager, Mr Albert Milton said the company’s achievements came as a result of the loyalty and dedication that the awardees had shown during their stay with Debswana.

He said it was because of their skills and experience that the company managed to successfully mine diamonds and transform the economic landscape of the country.

He said their unity and dedication had seen the country’s economic standing change from what it was before independence to what it was currently.

He also said Debswana was privileged to have managed to retain employees for long periods in the era of a competitive labour market.

“The privilege is certainly worth celebrating for it is not just the number of years served but the body of knowledge, skills and working experience accumulated and perfected over the years to ensure that Jwaneng mine consistently embodies its title as a real prince of mines,” he said.  

He urged young employees to tap into the variety of skills possessed by the long service employees in order to continue the legacy and drive the company’s vision.

Mr Milton also applauded the families of the awardees for their support despite unfavourable working conditions.

“To the families of the recipients, in particular the spouses, we are indebted to you for your enduring patience, tolerance and support during the many years, long working days and nights. To you I say, take pride in knowing that your family members were in pursuit of a noble course,” he said.  

Giving a word of motivation to guests, Dr Ditiro Majadibodu urged Debswana employees to make use of the opportunity to invest in things that could help them in future.

He said they were privileged to work for a company as big as Debswana and that they should use their finances wisely.

Dr Majadibodu called on employees to prioritise their needs and avoid unnecessary spending caused by peer pressure.

“Peer pressure is not only for children, even adults experience such. You should avoid peer pressure and do what is best for you and your families by investing for the future,” he said.

One of the long service employees, Mr Tshepiso Motsilenyane commended Debswana for having provided a conducive environment worth their loyalty.

He said the company managed to win their loyalty over the years because of the support extended to employees.

He applauded fellow employees for their invaluable contribution to Debswana’s vision and the country’s economy.

He pleaded with them to plant back the loyalty and dedication on the young employees so that they could continue where they left of.

Mr Motsilenyane also urged his colleagues to strive for a dignified life even after retirement.

“You have contributed immensely to the economy of our country and therefore there is an expectation that your lives carry a certain level of economic value,” he said. ENDS