19 Nov 2013

Health assistant minister, Dr Gloria Somolekae says employee longevity and loyalty is critical to any organisational success.

Speaking at the Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) long service awards ceremony, Dr Somolekae implored the 68 recipients who worked for the company for 20 to 40 years to continue working diligently to create a solid legacy.

Dr Somolekae said Debswana’s vision was to become a global benchmark diamond business and in pursuit of such it has launched a strategy to transform the company into a High Performance Organisation (HPO), operating at global benchmark levels of performance and efficiency.

“I have no doubt that with your continued support, hard work, loyalty, determination, focus and drive the OLDM will be able to achieve its goals,” said Dr Somolekae. She said to commit 20 to 40 years of continuous service to any organisation can only mean that there is alignment between personal values and those of the organisation.

The assistant minister said their long service with Debswana illustrates their understanding of individuals’ role in contributing to the country’s development and consequently that of the country. “The knowledge you have amassed over the many years in your various vocations remains highly valuable to this company and the nation,” she added.

She urged the employees to deliver their part into Debswana long term business strategy with pride, as by doing so they ultimately contribute positively to the socio-economic development of the country. Revenue from diamonds, she added, plays a key role in driving economic development.

For his part, OLDM senior manager mining, Mr Mogakolodi Maoketsa said the long service awards platform is used to acknowledge and thank employees for their loyalty and commitment. Mr Maoketsa said OLDM management is honoured to have employees of such caliber who had contributed significantly to the growth of business.

Speaking on behalf of the awards recipients, Mr Kennedy Mathekela said through individual and combined efforts of employees, Debswana has transformed into a mining giant.

Mr Mathekela said their efforts also contributed significantly into making Botswana an envy of other countries in terms of economic development and the provision of various social amenities for Batswana. Ends