New Eclipse 11 Mine’s philanthropy extends beyond mining

The official opening of New Eclipse 11 Mine in Shangani on Friday was not only a celebration of mining and the creation of nearly 500 jobs, but also a showcase of a growing philanthropy drive aimed at supporting communities across Insiza.


The ceremony brought together government officials, traditional leaders, politicians, miners and community members, but much of the attention centred on a series of donations and pledges targeting farming, water provision, livestock protection, women’s projects and other community initiatives.

The philanthropic activities were spearheaded by Ward 23 Shadow Councillor and New Eclipse 11 director Sikhanyisiwe Nkomo, who used the occasion to announce assistance to several wards and community groups.

Among the beneficiaries was Ward 19, which received a gas oven, a 5kg gas tank, a solar system and a water pump to support a bread‑baking and gardening project, as well as US$800 towards drilling a borehole for women in the ward. Councillor Thulani Sibanda received the donations and praised Nkomo for the gesture.

In Ward 23’s Albany Farm, two rolls of barbed wire were donated to help prevent livestock affected by January disease from mixing with other animals. Ward 22 also received two rolls of barbed wire following a request from a community leader.

Agricultural activities in different communities received further support, with earth auger machines donated or pledged for Ward 13, Insiza South and Ward 21 Mpalawani. Ward 20 farmer Nkululeko Nyoni, involved in wheat production, received a water pump and cable, along with US$30 towards his farming activities.

Women‑led initiatives were also prioritised. Nkomo pledged assistance towards a chicks project and an earth auger for Patriotic Vendors4ED women in Ward 14, and a water pump for a Ward 22 women’s group.

The philanthropic programme extended to individuals. In a surprise announcement, Nkomo pledged to source materials to construct a house for Ward 13 artist Isaac Shoko, who had released a song titled Sikhanyisiwe Nkomo Tinotenda. Neighbouring New Eclipse Mine owner Biton Ncube gave Shoko US$100 in appreciation of the song and donated US$500 towards refreshments for attendees. Debshan Ranches Farm, owned by Opein Heimer, contributed 10kg of beef and three cow heads to feed guests and community members.

Dignitaries including Chief Jahana Khumalo, Chief Sibasa and Insiza District Development Coordinator Zibusiso Maphosa received grocery hampers and blankets.

The donations transformed what could have been an ordinary mine‑opening ceremony into a broader community‑support event, with resources directed towards practical needs affecting households and local projects. The activities also reinforced the theme of women’s empowerment that ran through the official opening.

Insiza District Development Coordinator Zibusiso Maphosa, who officially opened the mine, described the occasion as a celebration of determination, resilience and innovation, as well as the contribution of Zimbabwean women to national development. “This occasion marks a milestone achievement for Women in Mining, particularly in Insiza District,” Maphosa said.

Nkomo’s own history at the mine illustrated that message. From entering the mining sector when the operation had only four workers to becoming one of its directors and participating in community empowerment initiatives, her journey has become intertwined with the mine’s development.

The event reflected the mine’s growing relationship with the surrounding community. Traditional leaders, government officials, councillors, political leaders, war veterans and community organisations attended the ceremony. Entertainment was provided by Mandlenkosi “Godolude” Mpofu, Isaac Shoko, poet Gola Khumalo, Dzibalemvula from Bulawayo, the Ward 23 Decent Nkomo cultural dance group and Siyazama Primary School. Service providers including Econet Wireless, CBZ Bank and Virl Solar Lights also exhibited.

Insiza South former MP Malaki Nkomo praised the mine’s standards, describing it as “not gold panning but real mining with proper high‑level standards.”

The mine’s founders say the operation’s journey is rooted in perseverance, but its emerging social footprint suggests an ambition that goes beyond extracting minerals. For communities benefiting from water pumps, farming equipment, livestock protection, women’s projects and other assistance, the significance of New Eclipse 11 may ultimately be measured not only in tonnes of gold produced or jobs created, but also in the opportunities its resources help create outside the mine.

The opening therefore marked both the culmination of more than two decades of mining perseverance and the unveiling of a community‑centred approach in which mining wealth is being channelled towards local development, contributing to broader discussions around mining‑led community empowerment and women in mining leadership.