Miners warned of tough times ahead
Lebogang Baingapi | Wednesday November 8, 2017 13:59
Majadibodu reminded them of the 2004 De Beers strike, which led to the dismissal of some employees. Some went home empty-handed and suffered the consequences of not saving for their families for any unseen misfortune.
He said the immediate closure of Selebi-Phikwe’s BCL Mine is also a perfect lesson employees around the country could learn from that life will never be lenient toward anyone and such calls for proper planning and use of funds must be heeded.
“You should practise investment and save money for your family, especially your (spouse and) children. Avoid negative influence or pressure from your peers to buy expensive cars, yet you do not have a roof over your head. Let’s avoid complicating life with decisions we make because life will never apply soft gloves on you. However, there is still hope for change,” Majadibodu said.
Meanwhile, the company gave 111 employees with long service awards for consistence and immense contribution to the mine. The general manager, Albert Milton noted that in a competitive global market, not many organisations succeed in retaining their people in service beyond five years.
Milton highlighted that the milestone was worth celebrating for it was not just the number of years served but also the body of knowledge, skills and working experience accumulated and perfected over the years to ensure that Jwaneng Mine consistently embodies its title as a prince of mines.
“We congregate with pride and marvel at our achievement because of the loyalty, dedication and selflessness of 111 of our employees who have served for over two and three decades and I believe are still willing to give more,” Milton said.
Award recipients were also delighted to have worked for the company for such a long time. Tshepiso Motsilenyane who joined Jwaneng Mine in 1987 celebrated 30 years of service. He joined the company then under an apprentice programme after completing his studies. He was awarded a Debswana scholarship immediately after completing his Cambridge studies and ultimately worked for the mine.
Motsilenyane rose through the ranks since 1991 from being an artisan fitter to his current post of Plant Maintenance Analyst. For Motsilenyane, working for Jwaneng Mine has been his first and only job and the journey has been exciting and challenging at the same time. Though one can be forgiven for assuming that he stayed with the company because of its lucrative remuneration packages, he said it was a matter of passion and value for growth.
The 49-year-old is proud to have worked for the ‘prince of mines’ and he is ready to exit on early retirement.
Another recipient Julian Saki Rankuna’s journey started 20 years ago and he currently serves a General Shift Foreman. He acknowledged his family for supporting him when he served Jwaneng Mine for 20 years consistently and efficiently.
“The work is challenging because we work in shifts and that needs a lot of resting and refreshing. My family has ensured that I get enough rest and gave me strength to carry on. I lead a group of people at work and I have to be the perfect example. The company is satisfying in terms of payment, but I am looking at retiring in the next five years when I am satisfied with investments that I made,” Rankuna added.