By Amin Kef Sesay
The Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL), the country’s number one producer of favourite alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, was among corporate institutions that were awarded this year by the National Social Security and Insurance Trust for Compliance to the Social Scheme during a prestigious award ceremony that took place on Friday 11th December 2020 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Aberdeen in Freetown during the annual NASSIT Employer Banquet and Award Ceremony.
Presenting the award, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Labour and Industrial Relations, Hon. Hassan A. Sesay pointed out that recognizing the SLBL by NASSIT demonstrates the seriousness of the company in meeting the welfare of every employee.
He called on other corporate institutions to replicate what SLBL is doing, as that will serve as motivation for their employees.
In appreciation, SLBL Head of Human Resources, Mrs. Zorah Anthony, received the award on behalf of the company from the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Labour and Industrial Relations.
On behalf of the Management and Staff of Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, Zorah Anthony, thanked NASSIT for what she described as a wonderful award.
“It is a pleasant surprise to be recognized by NASSIT and for NASSIT to organize this award annually,” she stated, adding that their dedication and passion for excellence, and doing what is right through compliance to all statutory obligations, including the payment of NASSIT contributions, has earned the company such a honor.
She furthered that not only are SLBL employees great workers, but they are also great beneficiaries of the NASSIT scheme.
The Human Resources Head noted that providing retirement and other benefits to meet the contingency needs for workers and their dependents, has always been a central theme of SLBL’s culture of taking care of its employee’s welfare.
She said it is humbling to receive the award, furthering how it also puts extra weight on the shoulders of Awardees, as they need to live up to that reputation of institutions that befit the award.
“I want to use this opportunity to inform you that receiving an award and being recognized for an excellent job is always pleasant, but receiving recognition for a job well done is not the aim, the aim is to do what is right for all our employees and to safeguard their welfare in the latter part of their lives,” she averred, maintaining that the award happens to be the “cherry or icing on the cake”.
She pointed out that at SLBL they approach compliance levels in a specific way. “Responsible Brewing” is the unifying idea upon which we have rebuilt and reorganized our company in the wake of the industry and operational crisis, she disclosed, stating how it has three key pillars: First, responsibility to employees and customers, second, responsibility to the local industry (Local Content) and third, responsibility to the broader community, Sierra Leone.
“In offering our services to the nation, we ask ourselves three questions: Is it in the best interest of our employees and customers? Is it systemically responsible? And does this create economic value? The answer to each must be “YES”, she also revealed, also stating that they are recommitting themselves as a true corporate citizen and industry leader to continue the good work.
Also present was Albert Ojo Collier, Head of Corporate Affairs at the SLBL, who was, however in attendance as a member of the Board representing the Sierra Leone Employers Federation.
