Nosiphiwo Mzamo
Nosiphiwo Mzamo was born in Mdantsane, East London. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a medical technologist. Still, her path led her to geology and the mining industry, where she has become a trailblazer for transformation and inclusion. She holds an MBA from Regenesys Business School. As the chief executive of State Diamond Trader, Nosiphiwo ensures equitable access to diamonds for Historically Disadvantaged South Africans, enabling them to participate in beneficiation, training, and international markets. She provides opportunities for youth, women, and black professionals to thrive in an industry historically closed to them. Her days are dynamic, as she oversees operations, engages with markets, runs training programs, and drives strategic initiatives to grow South Africa’s diamond-cutting and polishing sector. Her proudest achievements include launching Africa’s first Diamond Show at Mining Indaba 2024, opening a R300 million diamond cutting and polishing factory in Gauteng, and securing partnerships with Botswana to expand diamond access. Nosiphiwo is passionate about mentoring young women in the mining industry, encouraging them to persevere in a traditionally male-dominated field. She believes that fear of failure kills dreams, not failure itself, and that when everyone says it has not been done before, following your instincts and proving them wrong is the key to success. Her journey has not been without challenges, but she has always believed in her abilities and persevered, inspiring others to do the same.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Master of Business Administration (MBA), Regenesys Business School
- Graduate Diploma in Mining Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand
- Bachelor of Science Honours in Geology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
- Bachelor of Science in Geology and GIS, University of Fort Hare
ACHIEVEMENTS
In my role, I am responsible for growing South Africa’s diamond-cutting and polishing industry by enabling and increasing the participation of Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSAs) in the diamond beneficiation industry and providing access to markets. I have achieved this by launching the first-ever Diamond Show in the country and Africa, which was hosted alongside the Mining Indaba in February 2024. The launch was attended by Minister Gwede Mantashe, who gave a keynote address, the Deputy Minister, Ms Phumzile Mgcina, and the Minister of Natural Resources from the Kingdom of Lesotho, Mr Mohlomi Moleko. The show was successfully attended by international key role players in the diamond industry and the President of the World Diamond Council. On 5 September 2025, we successfully opened a diamond cutting and polishing factory at the Gauteng Industrialisation Zone, which was a R300 million investment, currently having a staff complement of 47, with plans to increase that to 90. We have concluded a deal with Botswana to source diamonds from there, which will increase our access to more diamonds and ensure that beneficiation in the country continues and remains sustainable.
