11 Dec 2024

MMG Khoemacau mine has been hailed for championing equal opportunities for all employees and embracing a diverse and inclusive culture.

The mine’s management was praised for fostering and celebrating a rich culture of diversity, which made the mine unique. 

The Chief Executive Officer of Engineers Registration Board (ERB) Dennis Olaotse, said in his keynote address during the mine’s third edition of a cultural event themed: One World, One MMG: Celebrating Cultures, Building Futures, recently. 

The mine boasts of 17 nationals, and encouraged all to share ideas and celebrate their unique heritage.

Olaotse said culture comprisesd instinctive, repetitive habits and emotional responses. 

He said culture could not be copied or easily pinned down, but glued an organisation together and enabled it to operate consistently.

He said management had demonstrated their commitment to encouraging a culturally diverse workplace, citing that cultural diversity was about appreciating different groups with different interests, skills, and talents that could help transform the organisation.

“I was informed that MMG Khoemacau has nearly 20 countries represented, making it the most diverse mine in Botswana.  

You have more than 20 unique cultures, languages, traditions, perceptions, and many characters and personalities, and you are exceptional. This is extraordinary,” he alluded.

The mines’ director of operations, Weiquan Xia, said the theme captured the essence of who they were as a global organisation, citing that they were united by shared values, enriched by diversity and focused on building a sustainable future for posterity.

“Our diverse cultures unite us as one team, enabling us to overcome challenges, innovate, and excel.

 As we celebrate this diversity, we must reflect on the work ahead to ensure our future is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable,” he added.

He implored the employees to remember that building a sustainable future required all to work as one, adding that their strength lied in their unity and shared commitment. 

The mine’s general, Logic Sebopeng, said the event had grown exponentially over the years and evidenced by its ability to attract considerable attention from stakeholders.

He said the mine had a staff complement of 2000 employees, and it was their dream to become a hub of engineers and technology in the region. 

Furthermore, he said the MMG company was big and well-known globally. Hence, it was essential to embrace and respect everyone’s culture.

Sebopeng also appreciated employees working harmoniously, citing that they had never received complaints, which was a sign of maturity.

 Outlining the event’s objectives, the mine’s human resource manager, Dr Vincent Mothupi, said it was commemorated annually to celebrate their diversity and different cultures.

He said the day, which brought employees together to connect in a different setting, demonstrated the company’s commitment to encouraging a diverse workplace.

He acknowledged that the event and the team bonding activities aligned with the company’s objective of promoting a high-performance-driven culture.

Meanwhile, the day was spiced with a live performance by the renowned artiste Magadeline Lesolobe, alias Charmagal. Ends