12 Dec 2023

Morupule Coal Mine (MCM) on Friday held its annual service awards function for employees. A total of 73 employees, who devoted their service to the company for five, 15, 25 years were presented with certificates. Two champions, who worked for the mine for 35 years, Mr Peter Banachaba and Mr Tsholofelo Maikano were also honoured. Speaking at the occasion, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) chief executive officer, Mr Keletsositse Olebile, applauded MCM for holding staff training in high regard. Mr Olebile said it was important to give employees the right skills for them to fit in the mandate of the company. He applauded the employees who received the awards for the hard work and dedicated service to the MCM and the country. “Your work goes beyond the company’s growth as it contributes to the growth of the economy of Botswana,” he said. “Therefore, do not take it lightly and confine it only to MCM.” However, he extended best wishes to Ms Keemetswe Dinonyane, the management secretary, who tirelessly served the company and was now going into retirement. He said Ms Dinonyane was leaving a legacy and had made it in the history books of MCM. Mr Olebile said BITC was MCM’s key partner, adding both collaborated on a number of occasions such as at the 2023 Mining Indaba, Africa Down Under in Australia, the US–Africa Business Summit, the 2023 Global Expo Botswana and facilitating companies sub-contracted by MCM. For his part, MCM Chief Executive Officer, Mr Edwin Elias, said the annual year end awards ceremony was a time to unwind, acknowledge the remarkable contributions of employees and revel in their seam to value business approach. Mr Elias said he was excited to dive into the festivities especially considering their rich history dating back to the 70s. He congratulated employees who received long service awards, saying that the significant milestone aligned with MCM’s 50 years of existence, marking a shared journey of dedication and achievement. He said such employees were a rare breed, adding that despite tempting offers, they chose to stay with MCM and their decision was a testament to the job satisfaction. He said their institutional knowledge was priceless, adding a unique flavour to the culture of MCM. Mr Elias said MCM had triumphed in various projects including construction of the A14 road main gate central access control, the completion of the Motheo legacy project - sports complex, the new proto room and lab upgrade, the CHPP & Mining parking, the stores warehouse construction, and the successful implementation of the Proto xi ERP system. He thanked the employees for their tireless efforts and contributions to these milestones. ENDS