For Sikhanyisiwe Nkomo, the official opening of New Eclipse 11 Mine in Shangani, Insiza North, marks the culmination of more than two decades of sacrifice, resilience and unwavering determination.
When the mining venture started in 2003, there were just four workers, poor ore samples and scarce resources.
Eventually, all four left.
What remained was Nkomo and her husband, Freddy Nyoni, and their refusal to give up.
“The mine that we are gathering to celebrate today was started in 2003 by myself and my husband,” Nkomo said.
“I want to encourage other women that they can go into mining and must not look down on themselves.”
Keep Reading
- Zvishavane council bosses trial commences next month
- Human rights activists worried over slow pace in addressing Gukurahundi
- Nkayi villagers decry marginalisation
- Human rights activists worried over slow pace in addressing Gukurahundi
The early years were punishing.
Nyoni worked underground alone, while Nkomo operated the rope to bring ore to the surface without a work suit.
Workers came and went, complaining of difficult conditions and low pay.
“I would pull the rope. Just imagine a woman pulling the rope without a worksuit—how would you feel?
“But I did not give up, I was brave,” she said.
By 2010, the situation began improving as the workforce grew and production increased.
By 2016, meaningful mining was underway, but the operation still lacked heavy machinery.
The breakthrough came through a partnership with Oliver “Mhofu” Chipindu about two years ago, who brought equipment and additional capacity.
Today, the mine is operated by a three-member syndicate comprising Nkomo, Nyoni and Chipindu, with Nkomo serving as chief agent.
“They made me chief agent, which means they have no voice that goes against me; I am the one between them,” she said.
“When there is a meeting, Chipindu always calls me for approval because my voice is important in all operations.”
From four employees at inception, the mine now employs more than 400 permanent and contract workers drawn from Insiza North and surrounding areas, providing incomes, school fees and food security for hundreds of families.
Nyoni recalled the depths of the struggle.
“I would go underground alone and crack the rock to get gold. Later my wife joined and we soldiered on.”
That decision to soldier on became the foundation upon which New Eclipse would eventually grow.
Beyond mining, Nkomo has supported community development since 2015, including donations of food, agricultural inputs, school supplies and medical assistance to women, young people, elderly citizens and vulnerable households across Insiza District.
War veteran and former Zanu PF secretary for lands, Jabulani Sibanda, urged residents to emulate the partners and work together for development.
“This is not the time to fight among ourselves or to create divisions,” he said.
“These are people who have worked hard for this community and for the country. We must recognise their contribution.”
New Eclipse manager Wusiso Makaza, representing director Chipindu, acknowledged the support from traditional leaders and government.
“In our operations, we will build relations with our communities by employing locals and taking care of the elderly, clinics and the whole community,” Makaza said.
“Our vision is that Insiza district should grow into a town through industries like Eclipse Mine.
“We want to improve our standards here. We are still growing, and we need support from everyone.”
The mine was officially commissioned by Insiza district development coordinator Zibusiso Maphosa last Friday at a ceremony attended by Women Affairs ministry officials, traditional leaders, former legislators and Zanu PF district officials.
For Nkomo, success is measured not only by gold production, but by the lasting opportunities created for her community.
Her journey challenges the perception that mining is primarily a man’s domain, proving that women can participate as workers, entrepreneurs, directors and employers.
“I am telling you that as women, involve yourselves where there is men’s work,” she said.
“Be courageous in mining—at the end there are great benefits.”