Nompumelelo Zikalala
Nompumelelo Zikalala
Operations Manager, Kimberley Mines
Mpumi with the Kimberly Mines Women in Mining
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I am known as Mpumi to most people. I am the Operations Manager for Kimberley Mines, one of the De Beers Consolidated Mines (DBCM) in South Africa. I report to the DBCM Head of Operations, Dieter Haage.
Many things make working in the De Beers Family of Companies challenging and exciting - one of these is the opportunity of engaging with various talented people working in all parts of the world. I have learnt a lot from these people and I am still learning everyday.
Although all working environments bring challenges, De Beers is definitely an exciting place to be in. I have definitely matured with the Family of Companies, since joining the company in 1996.
Our product, is unique! It is fascinating! It makes me exceptionally proud to tell people about both our product, our organisation and telling them about what I do in the organisation.
In everything we do, we strive to reflect the unique qualities of our product.
I am one of the few females in a “mining boss” role and that makes it different and exciting. And being the first female operations manager at De Beers is definitely the highlight of my professional career. You won’t believe the expression on some people’s faces when I tell them about what I do….!
De Beers has moved from a point where the various operating companies operated independently, to one where we all learn from each other, and there is more synergy.
Since 2004, DBCM has transformed tremendously - from the review of our business model, the Black Economic Empowerment deal with Ponahalo (we are now 26% owned by a BEE entity and all employees are shareholders, I actually own a share of the company), defining the operating niche of the company and operating mines that are in this niche and lastly the journey of Continuous Business Improvement which we are embarking on.
Mpumi talking to families at the Kimberley Mines Children's Day
I am from a small town called Vryheid in KwaZulu Natal. I have three older sisters and a younger brother. My mother heads up the household. I am also Zulu, which means I have an extended family from my late father and mother’s sides.
Since moving to Kimberley I have decided to focus on a healthy lifestyle. I love going to the gym, playing table tennis, reading and spending time with friends. I also enjoy getting involved with social investment programmes. I am not a superb cook, but I guess I can always learn to be one though.
The Family of Companies’ businesses focus on making a profit in such that we make a lasting contribution to the communities in which we operate. This gives me a chance to get involved with social investment programmes. I enjoy the networking opportunities provided by our business and I have met great people in this way
In everything we do, we strive to reflect the unique qualities of our product. I am living the values everyday, they are also aligned with my own personal values. I have developed myself within the ranks of the company and can confess that I absolutely LOVE my job!