24 Jan 2019

Outgoing Debswana managing director Mr Balisi Bonyongo has been described as an all-rounded professional who discharged and delivered his assignments to the company’s expectations. 

Speaking at a farewell dinner for Mr Bonyongo at GICC on January 23, which was also attended by Acting President Mr Slumber Tsogwane, the Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Mr Eric Molale, said Mr Bonyongo was astute in the discharge of his duties. 

He noted that Bonyongo’s 26 years with Debswana, which were marked by a steady rise to the top from being a very junior officer, was an inspiration to many. 

Mr Molale noted that during his induction, Mr Bonyongo took him through the operations of the mining company and answered all his questions with calmness, which showed he was knowlegeable about his field. 

He saluted the outgoing managing director for having tactically steered the ship during the economic recession, when diamond sales were down, which he said was an enormous challenge which only a few could manage. 

Minister Molale said because Mr Bonyongo was a man who consulted and engaged his staff, he was able to assemble a team and come up with strategies on how to prevail over the recession storm. 

The minister also welcomed the incoming managing director, Mr Albert Milton who he encouraged to apply all his abilities to make Cut 9 at Jwaneng and Cut 3 at Orapa success stories just like Cut 8. 

He said Mr Milton came at a time when government was taking job creation seriously saying he should ensure that Batswana actively participated in the diamond sector. 

Minister Molale noted with delight that preliminary discussions with Mr Milton showed he was the right candidate for the job. 

He advised him to always seek assistance where necessary because the projects were big investments which should bring positive outcomes to the nation and shareholders. 

For his part, Mr Bonyongo thanked those who stood by him during the turbulent times of the economic recession. 

He said he was able to withstand the recession period as well as address the problem of collapsing soil at Jwaneng Mine. 

The outgoing managing director further thanked Mr Bruce Cleaver, Debswana board chairman and DeBeers Group CEO for his commitment to reach everyone in the company anywhere it had business. 

He also thanked Mr Milton and the entire management and staff for their support during his stay at Debswana, saying he would forever cherish those good moments and consider himself a member of the Debswana family. 

Debswana deputy board chairman and permanent secretary to the president Mr Carter Morupisi also attended the farewell dinner.ENDS