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Published: Monday, 02 December 2024 08:35

On November 7, 2024, the Rustique Boutique Hotel in Middelburg, South Africa, hosted Sylvania’s third annual Long Service Awards. This event was dedicated to celebrating the dedication and loyalty of its employees. The ceremony brought together staff, management, and executives from the Company’s Eastern and Western Operations and corporate office in a heartfelt gathering that highlighted the essence of teamwork and commitment within the Sylvania family. Honourees were awarded certificates and honorariums in appreciation of their service to the Company.

The 2024 Long Service Awards were particularly significant, recognising an extraordinary total of 1,690 years of combined service from 126 employees. Among these honourees, 40 employees celebrated milestones of 10 years, while a remarkable 86 individuals were lauded for their 15 years of service. This level of loyalty, as emphasised by the speakers, reflects a rare sense of belonging and dedication in today’s workplace.

Honouring Exceptional Service

The event began with an opening address by Human Resources and Transformation Manager Alpheus Mothiba, who set the tone for a day of celebration and gratitude. Mothiba emphasised the importance of recognising employees’ contributions while they are actively shaping the Company’s success. “At Sylvania, we frown upon the culture of only appreciating people posthumously,” he remarked. “This platform allows us to honour, respect, and express gratitude for your contributions.” Mothiba highlighted the unique achievement of retaining employees in an era where job-hopping is common. “Many of you have remained steadfast, even when other opportunities arose,” he stated. He praised the 10- and 15-year milestones as a reflection of the job satisfaction and purpose employees find at Sylvania.

He also acknowledged the broader significance of the ceremony. “Celebrating these milestones contributes to our institutional memory, which is critical for any organisation’s growth,” Mothiba explained. “You are part of a remarkable team that consistently goes the extra mile, and today is about celebrating that spirit.”

Reflecting on the Journey

Jaco Prinsloo, CEO of Sylvania Platinum, followed with an address that reflected on the Company’s evolution and its enduring commitment to teamwork. He praised the employees’ collective dedication, quoting the founder of Apple, Steve Jobs “Great things in business are never done by one person; they are done by a team of people.”

Prinsloo acknowledged the challenges faced in Sylvania’s journey, from low platinum group metal (PGM) prices to operational hurdles. Yet, through disciplined cost management and unwavering dedication, Sylvania has grown into a low-cost, sustainable producer in the industry. “While current market conditions remain challenging, we are well-positioned to weather these storms and continue to thrive,” he assured attendees.

Highlighting the Company’s future, Prinsloo shared updates on new projects, including a transformative Thaba joint venture (Thaba JV). This project, he explained, represents a promising opportunity for growth and profitability. “The strength of Sylvania lies in its people that stand together through tough times and continue to build a resilient Company,” he said.

Prinsloo concluded with a heartfelt acknowledgement of the honourees, noting their immense contributions to the Company’s success. “Those of you celebrating 10 years have spent over 20,000 hours with us, and for 15 years, this equates to over 30,000 hours,” he remarked. “Your dedication is what makes Sylvania a home away from home.”

The ceremony’s proceedings were brought to a close by Robbie Van der Schyff, Executive Officer of Operations, who delivered a stirring tribute to the workforce. Reflecting on the day’s significance, Van der Schyff emphasised the resilience and camaraderie that define Sylvania. “Witnessing the smiles, handshakes, and hugs is a privilege,” he said. “Celebrations like today honour those who are the backbone of this Company.”

Van der Schyff recounted the challenges of the past year, including operational difficulties, and commended the team for their strength and perseverance. “These tough times have shaped us into a stronger, more resilient team,” he noted.

Looking ahead, Van der Schyff expressed optimism about Sylvania’s future, highlighting the Company’s exciting growth projects and the opportunities they bring. “We are committed to looking after our employees and ensuring that Sylvania remains a great Company to work for,” he said. He also extended his gratitude to the Human Resources Department which organised the event, acknowledging their efforts in creating a seamless and memorable celebration. “From logistics to certificates, every detail was thoughtfully handled,” he remarked, ensuring the day was a fitting tribute to the honourees.

A Day to Remember

The Rustique Boutique Hotel provided a picturesque backdrop for the event, where employees connected, reflected, and celebrated their shared achievements. The ceremony underscored Sylvania’s commitment to its people and its recognition of their invaluable contributions.

The 2024 Long Service Awards concluded with a collective sense of pride and anticipation for the future. For Sylvania, the celebration was not just about celebrating the past but also about envisioning a future of continued growth and shared success.