From the online classroom to the world's leading producer of diamonds by value, many EIT graduates are using their qualifications to contribute to the operations of Debswana Diamond Company mines located across Botswana.
Established in 1969 and owned in equal shares by the Government of the Republic of Botswana and The De Beers Group of Companies, Debswana is one of the world's leading diamond producers and Botswana's largest employer with over 5,000 employees and 6,000 contractors.
A self-proclaimed 'people-based organization,' Debswana places great value in its employees' training and development, attributing a large part of their success to their ability to develop and sustain a qualified and skilled workforce.
EIT has helped develop the skills and knowledge of eleven Debswana employees. With graduates coming from a range of EIT programs including our 52726WA - Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering, 52810WA – Advanced Diploma of Mechanical Engineering Technology, 52708WA – Advanced Diploma of Industrial Automation, and Bachelor of Science (Industrial Automation).
Our unique online learning experience allows students to develop their engineering skills remotely, meaning Debswana's employees can continue working while gaining globally relevant qualifications that further augment their understanding of the industry they work within.
"I chose this course because I have always wanted to be an electrical engineer. My studying experience with EIT has been consistently good. EIT has a lot to offer and is very capable," says 52726WA - Advanced Diplomas in Electrical Engineering graduate, Johnson Itumeleng.
"I have learned a lot, and I am executing my daily work in a much more professional manner with what I have learned from EIT."
Johnson started his career in engineering as an apprentice at the Orapa Technical College in 2007. After spending four years as an apprentice, Johnson was employed by Debswana in the Power Distribution sector. He now works as an Industrial Electrician in Debswana's Orapa Mine.
Discovered in 1967 and in operation by 1971, the Orapa Mine is the world's biggest open cast mine. Orapa is currently mining at a depth of 250 meters and is expected to reach 450 meters by 2026.
Orapa is one of Debswana's four mines, along with the Damtshaa, Jwaneng, and Letlhakane operations. Debswana's vision is to be a global bench-mark diamond business. To achieve this, they are setting increasingly demanding targets, embracing industry change, and making meaningful contributions to communities' development around its mines and Botswana at large.
As plans for Debswana's driven future became clear, 52708WA – Advanced Diploma of Industrial Automation graduate Goratoane Rivaldo Rabodietso began studying to keep up with the digitization and automation that he saw encroaching into the industry.
"The most interesting development in our industry is the use of smart instruments which can be calibrated and operated remotely," Goratoane said.
"The use of smart trucks at the mining pit is amazing as well - it can even perform an alcohol test on the driver to check their fitness prior to the operation, which protects the most valuable assets of the company."
Due to its technical and machine-driven nature, Debswana prioritizes the safety of its personnel and operations. All the sites boast impressive records, such as the Jwaneng Mine achieving one of the lowest disabling injury incident rates in Botswana and the Orapa and Letlhakane Mines achieving 2 million fatality-free shifts.
The continuing success story of Debswana Diamond Company is one of excellence and engineering success. EIT is thrilled to have played a part in equipping some of its workers with the skills and knowledge that further assists one of the most notable companies in Botswana's history.
