11 Oct 2023

 Lucara Mine has introduced its two new contractors to Boteti community as a move to integrate them into a well-established local collaboration.

The new contractors, both 100 per cent citizen owned, are DC Tours and Mighty Infinity Services.

Lucara Mine Operations Readiness Manager, Mr Leonard Marumo said on Tuesday that the objective was to create a platform for the new contractors to engage with the community on social projects.

DC Tours will serve as the new transport operator at the mine, transporting  employees to and from work, whilst Mighty Infinity Services will be managing a 200-man camp site.

Mr Marumo noted that most of the employees who worked for the previous contractor would be absorbed by Mighty Infinity, which has a staff complement of 48.

Kgosi Barontshi Kegapetswe of Letlhakane expressed concern that most of the employees renting houses in the village failed to honour their  monthly obligations, and it was difficult to trace them because they were not engaged by Lucara, but its contractors.

He stated that some of the tenants turned into criminals and targeted their previous landlords.

Boteti Deputy District Commissioner, Mr Ewetse Selelo noted with  concern common labour relations issues in Letlhakane ranging from lack of payment of staff by sub-contracted companies and closure of companies without informing employees nor paying them.

He cautioned the new contractors against such practices. Mr Selelo implored the contractors to invest in community projects.

“Let your stay here create opportunities for the community, be it employment or community empowerment projects,” he said.

Boteti East Constituency Office Administrator, Mr Golebilwemang Golebilwemang applauded Lucara for its good industrial relations and community service, commending the mine for ensuring that its employees did not lose their jobs as well as good consultation with the community.

Boteti Council Chairperson, Mr Molemi Galeragwe urged the new contractors to leave a legacy in Boteti.

He stated that schools in Boteti were overcrowded and there was shortage of classrooms.

He informed the contractors that the bulk of the council budget went to the destitution programme because the poverty rate was high in the area. BOPA