08 Oct 2023

New talent brings fresh perspectives and capabilities, allowing entities to gain new insights.

However, long-serving employees also hold immense value due to their institutional memory, understanding of work culture, and ability to navigate complexities to achieve optimal value, high performance, and productivity.

Employee loyalty and longevity play a critical role in the success of any organization and should be acknowledged.

During the combined 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40-year long service awards ceremony, Mr Mogakolodi Maoketsa, the general manager of Orapa Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM), emphasised the importance of both long-serving employees and new talent in driving breakthrough thinking and contributing to the success of Debswana.

Mr Maoketsa recognised that some long-serving employees may have faced challenges and tempting job offers throughout their tenure but chose to remain with Debswana.

This demonstrated their high level of job satisfaction and the irreplaceable institutional knowledge they possessed, which contributed to Debswana’s unique culture and its success in various key projects.

Addressing the long service award recipients, Mr Maoketsa praised their sacrifices, dedication, hard work, and belief in Debswana’s vision and values.

He emphasised that their contributions not only made Debswana shine over the years but also played a significant role in building the country to its current state.

He highlighted the numerous changes Debswana had undergone, including the retirement of aging assets in 2020 as part of their transformation program.

He urged everyone to embrace a mindset change and spoke about the company’s exponential thinking initiative, aimed at creating a dynamic and adaptable organisation capable of thriving in uncertain and rapidly changing times.

Mr Ditiro Lentswe, the assistant general manager, acknowledged all 144 recognised employees, stating that even if they had not spent their entire careers at OLDM, they had dedicated a significant portion of their working lives to building Debswana.

The years of service recognised employees who had served for 20 to 40 years. Mr Lentswe noted that this demonstrated a level of dedication that few companies have the privilege of witnessing.

Representing the employees who had served for 40 years, Mr Segolame Mabote spoke about the personal and professional growth they had experienced during their time at Debswana. He highlighted how the company had not only transformed the country’s economy but also transformed them as individuals, as they formed relationships, became parents, and even grandparents during their tenure.

Mr Mabote recounted the changes in infrastructure, such as the eight-hour drive on a J5 truck to Serowe and the dusty roads to Francistown and Maun, which have since been upgraded to potholed tarred roads near Rakops.

The ceremony celebrated the long-serving employees for their commitment and contributions to Debswana’s success while recognizing the importance of new talent in driving innovation and growth. ENDS