15 Dec 2019

 The Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Mr Lefoko Moagi has said it is proper to appreciate, even in modest terms, such employees who have been dedicated and loyal for so long.

He said this on December 13 where Debswana Jwaneng mine recognized a total of 92 of its employees who have been with the company for 20 to 40 years. This was in addition to 310 others who were awarded last month for serving between five to 15 years.    

Mr Moagi said that such were great service milestones especially in the current business world where competition for human resource was high, adding that such dedication was a distinguishing factor that set Debswana as a company and Botswana diamonds apart from r competitors.

“Even with the right government policies, Botswana could not have achieved such a success without a highly skilled, motivated and competitive workforce such as yourselves,” he said.

Mr Moagi also said that Botswana remained the single largest contributor to the increase in the value of the world’s diamond production last year, as she increased her output by six per cent to 24.4 million carats while the average price earned for its rough diamonds remained steady at US$145 per carat.

He said that the commendable economic outlook was attributable to the employees’ relentless commitment and dedication during the many years they have and continue to invest in the company.

 Mr Moagi also noted that such success had not been easy considering the global economic environment that is uncertain and volatile.“The diamond industry in particular has faced subdued markets and many other challenges over the years. Therefore, it is heartwarming to see that despite all these challenges, you remained with Debswana for these number of years. Through your dedication, Jwaneng mine continues to do well in key areas such as elimination of fatalities and asset efficiency among others,” he said.

He also complemented the mine for its continued success in other areas such as employee engagement, adoption of cutting edge technology and building resilient partnerships with the community through the social performance framework.

The Minister said that through the latter, the mine has managed to achieve sustainable community projects such as Lefhoko Diamond Village, Maboane water project, Tsonyane and Mahotshwane tribal offices and Diamond Dreams Academic Awards among others. Ends