The newly appointed Debswana Managing Director Andrew Motsomi’s first meeting was with an incensed Botswana Mining Workers Union (BMWU) ready to express frustrations with some thorny issues.
The meeting was conducted whilst the much-awaited judgment in which Infotrac had dragged Debswana demanding P110 million demanding payment for services rendered was still yet to be delivered by High Court President judge Abednego Tafa.
This publication understands that, the Union was unable to control its displeasure hence it called on Motsomi to make a deliberate and utmost effort to treat some topical matters with the seriousness they deserve seriously as it has the potential to tarnish the reputation of the organization internationally.
While the issue of the case between Infotrac against Debswana was not discussed in details as the judgment was still yet to be delivered, it was one of the key issues that had been a thorn on the diamond miner.
Motsomi succeeded Lynette Armstrong who had been at pains trying to parry away the P110 million controversial case since taking up the top post of Debswana in August 2019 as acting Managing Director following the passing of the previous MD Albert Milton.
Although the issue of security and monitoring system was not part of the agenda, the Union position was very clear that the issue was sensitive and needed to be resolved amicably.
Botswana Mining and workers Union (BMWU) sectary general Kitso Phiri condemned the manner in which Debswana used spying equipment and techniques on members of the union.
“Yes we had a tumultuous relationship with the past management, however, on specific issues; namely the alleged spying of workers and Union officials. We brought this issue before Debswana management and they re-assured the Union the Company had nothing to do with such acts and that these were bare allegations devoid of truth.”
He said the spying issue or case was not on the agenda of our discussions as at the time it was subjudice as it was awaiting final determination by the courts. The veracity of the allegations was at the mercy of the courts hence the Unions decision to respect that process, Phiri said.
The Union said the spying on workers is unlawful and a clear violation of the right to privacy.
“Such conduct by an employer is unwarranted as it has the effect of impairing workers dignity. Without reference to the case, workers right to privacy should be protected by the employer at all costs,” said Phiri. He said Motsomi ensure that his employees are working in an environment free from harassment and one that fosters growth and development.
After the judgment, Phiri said they are “still studying the judgment and they will absorb all the rules of engagement and agreement with Debswana to handle the matter.”
Phiri said the judgment contains “some damning allegations against Debswana and it is prudent to engage the current new MD and executive management about the long Unions position against infringing on Unions privacy at the workplace.”
Motsomi is expected to map the way forward following the judgment delivered by Tafa. Infotrac which has been providing security services to Debswana for years and now demanding their payment has revealed that they were asked to supply spy equipment and acquire intelligence on mine workers union employees.
Debswana has also issued a stament expressing their disappointment at Judge Tafa’s judgment. The mining giant said, “At this juncture, we are not able to comment extensively on the judgment until such time that we have fully applied our minds to it. We shall, through our legal representatives, deliberate on the way forward which will be communicated in due course.”
Some observers are of the view that the ruling is a slap in the face for the 53-year-old diamond giant which has already suffered enough dent on its image owing to the cloak and dagger intrigues of the case. For some time, the matter has been a thorn in Debswana’s flesh since the days of the late director, Albert Milton, his successor, Lynette Armstrong and the newly appointed Motsomi who joins Debswana from Bank of Botswana. Brand and image consultants are of the view that the closure of the matter is good for Debswana and further provides a breathing opportunity for the company to also reflect on its battered image.
In an brief interview with this publication after the judgment, the spymaster Motshidi said contrary to popular believe that the matter has dented Debswana’s image, there is a lot of information in his possession about Debswana which he has kept for himself. Information which he does not intend, as a professional, to use against the company.
“I never really went out to hurt Debswana as one of my clients. I have been in the security business for a long time and I am sure this is probably the first time you hear of me or my company. I never really set out to be in the public space hence why I have been keeping a low profile. In fact this case has hurt and compromised me more that it has done to anyone involved in it. Like many who know what happened, I yearn for closure,” concluded Motshidi.
