Dr Adrian Gale, a Chemical Engineer by profession took over as OLDM General Manager in 2010 up until his retirement in December 2014. Most will remember him for his extensive mining and metallurgical experience, having worked in a number of countries around the world. His profile entails vast experience in project management, commissioning, exploration, processing and refining of a variety of minerals.?Through his intensive mining experience, Dr Gale managed to turn around OLDM, as evidenced by improved efficiencies across a range of productivity and efficiency key performance indicators, focusing on mining, treatment, maintenance and employee and community engagement.?
Among some of his notable achievements, the mine attained a best safety record in the history of the mine. Under his leadership, in 2012 OLDM launched a campaign dubbed “Quantum Series,” under the theme “My ECOHS, My Pride.” During that year, OLDM was rated amongst the best in the world in terms of safety. Dr Gale also restored cordial relations between the mine management and the union.
Some of his achievements include improvement of the game park, improvement of school results at OLDM, commissioning of a massive Cat 6060FHS Hydraulic Diesel Shovel valued at P80 million and re-introduction of white rhinos at Orapa Game Park.
Dr Gale pursued a vigorous Community Social Investment (CSI) program in Boteti with his slogan, “Orapa Today, Boteti Tomorrow.” The vision was hatched in an endeavor to make Orapa a great place to live and work. Part of this vision was to transform Orapa into a hub of Boteti Sub District and gateway to Makgadikgadi.┬áSome of Dr Gale’s successful CSI projects that also benefited Boteti during his tenure include the annual General Manager’s charity walk, which raised funds for community projects. He also contributed immensely towards President Ian Khama’s housing appeal initiatives through CSI projects in Boteti.?Giving his welcome remarks during the memorial service last week, the Acting General Manager of OLDM, Bakani Motlhabani described the late Dr Gale as a humble leader who believed in team work and hard work.?“It was only three months when we hosted a party to bid Dr Gale farewell when he retired from his position. We were shocked to learn of his untimely death at the beginning of April this year. However, I believe that even at this difficult moment we do not have to mourn, but celebrate the life of a giant well lived. No one will ever fill his shoes. He was a true leader,” he said.?Motlhabane said that Dr Gale changed lives in Boteti Sub District as he was a selfless individual who was determined to help others.
“He was an intelligent leader and a fighter. He never gave up when faced with challenges. I learnt a lot from Dr Adrian Gale. He was a leader who believed in consultation and he listened to every employee in the mine regardless of position or rank,” said Motlhabani.?In his keynote address, Debswana Managing Director, Balisi Bonyongo also described Dr Gale as a giant who will forever live in the memories of Debswana employees and the residents of Boteti Sub District.?“We should all embrace the fact that death is inevitable and it will at some point happen to all of us. I have always perceived the late Dr Gale as a person with corporate reason. His deeds in Debswana’s OLDM and Boteti Sub District are for all to see. I believe most of you will testify that we lost a true leader. This was a man who held OLDM and Boteti closer to his heart,” he said?.
He also added that Dr Gale had corporate wisdom as he managed to keep OLDM afloat at a time when the mine was still reeling under the effects of the global economic recession. He described the former General Manager as a seasoned and strategic leader who brought a wealth of international experience and contributed significantly to the success story of Debswana┬á?“Dr Gale drove high performance at OLDM through his three R’s; Robust operations fit for purpose equipment; Responsive flexible operations with both talented and trained teams; Resilient, overcoming obstacles and meeting the highest standards of operational excellence.
This approach delivered improved plant performance which translated into revenue for Debswana and consequently for Botswana and DeBeers,” said Bonyongo.?He also said that under Dr Gale’s leadership, there has been an improved relationship between the leadership team and the unions.?“When he retired from the mine last year, Dr Gale had promised to come back to assess some of the strategies he left behind especially the Orapa Today, Boteti Tomorrow strategy. He had a strong vision about this region. He touched the hearts of many and loved this region dearly. As Debswana we will make sure that his vision is realized,” he added.?For his part, Chief of Boteti Sub District, Oreagetse Machilidza described Dr Gale as the epitome of humility, generosity and kindness.
“When Dr Gale assumed the leadership of the mine he took OLDM to the people of Boteti Sub District. He took this mine to the people of Boteti Sub District as evidenced by a number of community projects that were done to improve the lives of our people in Boteti. He had dreamt of bringing significant change to the lives of people in Boteti. He cared for the needy,” said the chief.?The Chairperson of Boteti Sub District council, Solomon Cornelius also echoed the same sentiments about Dr Adrian Gale.?“It is really sad to learn that Dr Adrian Gale is no longer with us today. This is a man who had a heart for the needy. His contribution through Debswana’s Corporate Social Investment to the people of Boteti is beyond explanation. Some of the projects that we pride ourselves of include the construction of destitute houses, poultry projects, building of classroom blocks. During his tenure the mine injected over P5 million to help the people of Boteti. It is not only Debswana that lost an icon, but the entire Boteti region,” he said.?Speaking on behalf of the Botswana Miners Workers Union (BMWU), Moses Pelaelo narrated how Dr Gale brought a harmonious working relationship with the mine management when he joined the mine in 2010.?“We will forever cherish this man. When he joined the mine in 2010, the OLDM management and the union were in a chaotic relationship. Things were mixed up due to employee grievances that were not addressed.
A number of our members were losing jobs. Employees were intimidated. When he assumed the leadership all these problems came to an end,” he said.?To resolve these problems, Pelaelo said Dr Gale selected a team to probe and investigate their grievances. He said a report was released detailing the problems be-devilling the mine. He said most of their problems were resolved leaving both parties in a win-win situation.┬á?Speaker after speaker described Dr Gale as a selfless individual who treated others with respect, humility, love and honesty.
They described him as a true leader who inspired his juniors.?Prior to coming to Botswana, Dr Gale began his illustrious career at the Zambian Consolidated Copper Mines and moved back to the United Kingdom where he held various roles in the Information Technology sector as Operations Director, Group Operations Director and Managing Director. He also worked in countries like Uganda and Australia.?He was laid to rest in his home country last week and he is survived by his wife Suzanne Gale and two children.
