Africa-Press – Botswana. Khoemacau Copper Mine leadership has been applauded for promoting the spirit of oneness, harmony and peace despite the diverse cultural differences.
North West District Commissioner, Thabang Waloka, made the remarks during the 2nd edition of the mine’s cultural festival themed “harnessing culture and diversity is our strength” which aimed to strengthen relationships and embracing each other’s differences and tastes.
He acknowledged that there were 18 countries represented in the mine family making the organization the most diverse mine in the country.
“It takes a lot to manage and unify such diverse force and for leadership to have pulled such an event is a great step in the right direction of keeping people united,” he added.
He therefore applauded the leadership and the mining community for not only unifying the people, but for also demonstrating high level of maturity which promoted harmony and peace.
Culture, he said, was the total way of life that people in the society were blessed with citing that it was defined by everything from language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts among others.
Waloka said through culture, all were governed by norms and customs which were the pillars of any society noting that if those pillars were not properly followed in their organization, their culture would resemble a perfume with no scent, flowers without a bouquet.
However, he appreciated that the mine had given employees an opportunity to present the norms and customs to each other through dressing style, languages, food and music among others.
“This celebration aims at building strong relationships that are based on mutual respect and trust by understanding where we are all coming from.
It aims at breaking the communication barriers by learning and accepting each other’s language. You should embrace each other’s cultural differences and norms,” he added.
Waloka said by tapping talent from their diverse cultures, it will play a great role in enhancing organizational cohesion and integration which was already highly emphasized in their Environment Social and Governance (ESG) strategy.
He said Botswana was a small country, but prided itself with tourism exclusiveness, minerals, vibrant beef industry and some unique world heritage sites. In addition, he said, Batswana were a friendly, loving, caring and welcoming nation.
An elderly from Bothatogo, Tjiroo Kaiko, gave an insight on the history of Mbaderu community saying they were upholding to the preservation of their rich culture and tradition.
Traditionally, he said, they were pastoralists and believed in marriages within their clan citing that young men married their cousins in an effort to keep the clan together.
The mine’s Acting General Manager, Neo Kwakwa, said they believed that culture was critical component of human existence hence the event to celebrate cultural differences, learn from each and promote what was good and acceptable for development of good behaviour amongst all.
The challenge of human kind, he said, was always lack of tolerance on each one’s cultures and at times abuse of cultural norms citing that in Setswana culture, male figure was recognized leadership/head of a family but at times there was an abuse of the notion.
He cited Setswana idioms such as “Monna ga a botswe gore o tswa kae and Monna ke selepe o a adimanwa, saying such undermined the good position given to man by God.
The mine’s Chief Executive Officer, Johan Ferreira, said the event aimed to celebrate culture diversity and appreciate long service employees who contributed significantly to the growth of the mine.
He informed the gathering about the ongoing acquisition of the mine by MMG Company saying that would also broaden the cultural diversity within the organization.
The mine, prided itself with different nationals and believed the company would promote tolerance and promote cultural activities for the benefit of employees.
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