Namib Minerals has stunned the market with a sudden leadership shake-up, promoting CFO Tulani Sikwila to Chief Executive Officer effective immediately, just as the company embarks on a capital-intensive revival of its Zimbabwean gold assets, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
Can Namib Minerals successfully restart Redwing and Mazowe while managing artisanal mining pressures?
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Sikwila steps into the role following the abrupt departure of Ibrahima Sory Tall, the veteran CEO who steered the company through its historic Nasdaq listing in mid-2025. The company offered no detailed explanation, stating only that Tall is leaving to “pursue other opportunities.”
The elevation of Sikwila, a company insider with nearly two decades of tenure, signals a strategic bet on continuity and deep regional knowledge. A Chartered Accountant by profession, he brings hands-on experience across both the financial and operational dimensions of the business, having served in senior roles throughout Namib’s evolution.
“Tulani is the right leader for this next chapter,” said Molly P. Zhang, Chair of the Board, citing his financial discipline and institutional memory as critical assets as the company scales up.
Zimbabwe Assets Enter Critical Phase
Sikwila inherits a high-stakes turnaround. The company is pushing forward with a US$300 million to US$400 million strategy to transform itself into a mid-tier gold producer, with Zimbabwe as the centrepiece.
At Redwing Mine, dewatering operations kicked off on January 29, 2026, a crucial first step in reopening the long-idled asset. The eight-month process will pave the way for underground assessments and engineering studies needed to bring the mine back into production.
Meanwhile, How Mine, the company’s current cash cow, is undergoing a 36% capacity expansion, targeting a throughput increase from 40,500 tonnes per month to 55,000 tonnes. The mine delivered 33,600 ounces in 2024 and will bankroll much of the broader growth agenda. At Mazowe, attention is focused on upgrading surface infrastructure, including power and water systems, ahead of a planned restart.
To underpin the technical lift, Namib has brought in WSP to conduct S-K 1300-compliant feasibility studies for both Redwing and Mazowe, expected within 12 to 18 months. The company has also bolstered its technical leadership, appointing Antonio Nieto, a globally recognised mining technology expert, as Vice President of Technical Services.
The Artisanal Mining Dilemma
Beyond the engineering challenges, Sikwila must navigate the complex human terrain of Zimbabwe’s gold belts. Both Mazowe and Redwing have long been hotspots for artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) activity. Managing the transition back to formal, large-scale operations without alienating local communities or triggering conflict will test the new CEO’s local credentials.
In his first public remarks as CEO, Sikwila struck a conciliatory but firm tone. “Namib Minerals is well-positioned to responsibly unlock Africa’s resource potential while delivering lasting value to our investors, communities, and other stakeholders,” he said. The company has signalled it is seeking “coordinated action” with government and traditional leaders to ensure safe operations around its concessions.
Sikwila will be backed by an expanded leadership bench, including Nieto, while a search for a permanent Chief Operating Officer is underway.
