56 Debswana Employees Graduate As Entrepreneurs

• The graduates underwent Debswana’s strategic EED Programme
• Mine manager says EED shows Debswana’s commitment to staff transformation

EED forms part of the Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development Programme (EEDP), which is an initiative of Debswana whereby employees enrol for mentoring in entrepreneurship development.

Giving a keynote address at the graduation ceremony in Jwaneng on Thursday last week, Acting General Manager of Jwaneng Mine, Kgolagano Bannalotlhe, said Debswana is proud of EED. He noted that the programme has been formulated as part of Debswana’s One Dream, One Team transformational strategy that prioritises employee benefit. “Debswana as an employer is always committed to not leaving its employees behind,” Bannalotlhe said. “Its through initiatives like EEDP that Debswana is committed to drive transformation amongst employees.

“Through the One Dream, One Team 2024 Strategy under the Citizen Economic Empowerment Programme, Debswana is committed to creating opportunities for Batswana by transforming some of its business processes, such as through outsourcing and privatisation.” He noted that the programme intends to build startup businesses to be pioneered by the trained employees into competitive enterprises that will compete both locally and globally.

Bannalotlhe urged the graduates to ensure that their businesses also contribute to the growth of the economy through creating employment for Batswana because they have the ability to do so. To effectively deliver the EDD programme, Debswana had configured two sessions a day to ensure minimal disruption to business while the trained employees where attending the classes.

“I must point out that the journey had some challenges for the learners as some have been out of the learning environment for several years,” said Bannalotlhe. “However, it must be noted that the learning objectives were successfully achieved through commitment, willingness, drive and support from the Training Centre staff who have played a significant part in the success of the programme.”

For his part, business coach-cum-entrepreneur, Steven Baatshwana, urged the graduates not to lose focus even when their enterprises are not making a profit because that is part of doing business. Baatshwana said it is important for the graduates, who are now entrepreneurs, to form partnerships. “Collaboration is very important way of enhancing sustainable businesses,” he said. “Moreover, it is also key to have diversified business portfolios as that enables resilience and sustainable businesses.”