De Beers Consolidated Mines has appointed Nompumelo ‘Mpumi’ Zikalala to its Board, bringing a wealth of experience in mining, diamond trading and in the advancing the economic and social transformation of the South African Company. Ms Zikalala joined De Beers in 1996 as a bursar and has filled a number of senior roles in the organisation, in both mining and diamond trading. In 2007, she was appointed general manager of the Kimberley Mine, becoming the first female general manager of a major diamond mine. She also held the same position at Voorspoed Mine from 2010.
In May 2013, Ms Zikalala was appointed Vice President of De Beers Sightholder Sales South Africa, the rough diamond trading division. Barend Petersen, Chairman of DBCM, said: “I am delighted to welcome Mpumi to the Board. Her appointment is proof that De Beers identifies and nurtures home-grown talent, creating opportunities for talented leader’s at the most senior levels of the business.
“Mpumi’ s extensive diamond experience, together with the insight she’s gained in her non-executive capacity at Mintek, will create value for both De Beers and its partners. I look forward to working with her as we advance the business in South Africa.”