The management and staff of Bralirwa have paid homage to their colleagues who were killed in the 1994 Tutsi genocide. Prior to the event held at the company’s headquarters in Kicukiro, selected staff of Bralirwa took part in a walk to the Nyanza genocide memorial site.
Over the years, Bralirwa has shown committed to improve the welfare of families of their colleagues who perished in the genocide war. Currently Bralirwa is offering scholarship for instance to about 180 children, up to higher learning education.
According to Fred Nyangezi, Bralirwa’s Corporate Affairs and Communication Manager, the company has constructed two memorial sites situated at the city’s head offices and their brewery in Gisenyi.
“We‘re also committed to support other genocide remembrance activities , so far we have taken part in the renovation of Cyanika genocide memorial site amongst others,” he remarked.
Bralirwa’s over 61 employees are believed to have been killed by militias while on duty. A separate commemoration is also conducted to employees of Bralirwa who were killed in Gisenyi.
At the Gisenyi plant there is a memorial site, which is a symbol of honor to 39 employees who were brutally burned to death while others were shot to death on 19, January 1998, at 8 in the morning while going to work.
Nyangezi further pointed out that this year’s genocide commemoration theme is relevant “Let us commemorate the Tutsi Genocide as we strive for self-reliance”, since it inspires hope and progress to not only the victims but also Rwandan’s at large.
In this respect, employees of Bralirwa are encouraged to contribute to the company effectively, while also improving their welfare. “Our staff are grouped into two cooperatives, KAMC and CORCEG, which offer various services to the company such as security, transport and cleaning,” he said.
