Former Debswana Managing Director, Albert Milton, was laid to rest in Gabane on Saturday, August 24. Below are quotes from mourners who attended a memorail service held in Gaborone and Orapa on August 21 to pay tribute to Milton.
Vice President Slumber Tsogwane leading a memorial service in Orapa, said Milton has left a reputable track record in all the mines that he worked for. The loss of Milton has touched the hearts of many as he had a sound relationship with his employees and had a good understanding of the working environment in the mines, said Tsogwane. “Milton played an instrumental role in developing the career of his subordinates, mentoring and moulding them into responsible leaders. His passing on is a great loss to the country and it will not be easy to fill his vacancy. It is not an easy job to fill the post of a Debswana Managing Director,” he said.S
De Beers (a partner in Debswana with Botswana Government) Group chief executive officer, Bruce Cleaver said the deceased had been an asset to the company since joining it in 1985. “He worked his way up the ranks until he occupied one of the highest offices in Debswana when he was named managing director and appointed to the group’s executive committee in December 2018,” he said.
Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Eric Molale, described Milton as a self-driven transformer, who was pivotal in Debswana’s citizen economic empowerment drive during his time at the helm of Jwaneng mine. He credited the success of Jwaneng Cut 8 Project to the visionary leadership of Milton and his cautious approach towards mining safety regulations. “Milton was an inspiration to all involved in implementing the Jwaneng project within the stipulated time, budget and safely. He not only understood the essential role business plays in uplifting communities, but he also understood the role that Debswana plays in uplifting a nation, as he oversaw multiple investments to build the fabric of communities including classroom constructions, clinics and community water reticulation projects and his impact will be felt by generations to come,” said Molale.
Orapa Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) general manager Bakani Motlhabani described Milton as a great visionary leader and family man.