De Beers Names New Head for Operations in Canada, South Africa
Thembinkosi Moses Madondo joins the diamond company after 23 years with gold miner AngloGold Ashanti.

Thembinkosi Moses Madondo joins De Beers from gold mining company AngloGold Ashanti, where he served as senior vice president for innovation and technology.
Madondo is a mechanical engineer who has 23 years’ experience in the mining industry.
He started at AngloGold in 1998 and has held various senior positions and executive roles during this time, including engineering manager, process manager, general manager, and senior vice president.
Prior to his current role as SVP for innovation and technology, Madondo headed AngloGold Ashanti’s South Africa operations.
De Beers parent company Anglo American once held a stake in AngloGold Ashanti but sold off its remaining shares in 2009.
De Beers said Madondo has leadership experience and a proven track record of delivery, particularly when it comes to leading underground mining operations, and overseeing safe operations.
“He is the ideal candidate to lead our managed operations business as we continue the successful delivery of the $2 billion Venetia underground project in South Africa and maintain strong operational performance at Gahcho Kué mine in Canada,” De Beers CEO Bruce Cleaver said in a press release.
“His expertise will be essential as we continue to deliver the benefits of our FutureSmart Mining program, while ensuring we remain steadfast on our ambitious Building Forever sustainability commitments.”
Madondo holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and an Executive Master of Business Administration from the University of Cape Town and has completed an Advanced Management Program through Harvard Business School.
He recently served on the Board of the Minerals Council South Africa and Rand Refinery Limited.
Madondo is slated to start at De Beers on Jan. 1, succeeding Nompumelelo “Mpumi” Zikalala, who, as previously announced, is leaving De Beers to become CEO of Anglo American’s Kumba Iron Ore business.
The Latest

Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.

The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.

Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.


From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.

NYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.

A new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.

The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”

Sapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.

The retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.

Niccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.

The three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.

The collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.

The highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.

CEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.

The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.

Sponsored by Clientbook

It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.

President Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.

Former Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.

The jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.

The singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.

Dubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.