How a mining boss conquered Kilimanjaro

STEPHEN Ndiyamba is not just the general manager of Mimosa Mining Company, a Zvishavane based platinum producer. He is also an adventurer, a writer, and a motivational speaker. In December 2022, he achieved one of his lifelong dreams: climbing to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa.
He did not stop there. He also decided to share his journey and his insights with the world, by writing a book titled One Week in December. The book, which has just been published on Amazon (and Kindle), chronicles his preparation, his challenges, his triumphs, and his lessons from the Kilimanjaro expedition.
Patrick Chitumba (PC), the Midlands Bureau Chief, had the privilege of interviewing Ndiyamba after he received the first printed copy of his book. Here are some excerpts from their conversation.
PC: Good day sir and congratulations on your book that has been published. What is the book about?
SN: The book is about my personal experience as I climbed the tallest mountain on the continent, Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania. It serves as a travelogue that details my eight-day hike, encompassing the adventure, challenges, friendships, camaraderie, and fun that unfolded during the quest to summit Kilimanjaro. Additionally, it delves into the triumph of standing on the roof of Africa and raising the Zimbabwean flag. But more importantly, the book explores the numerous life and leadership lessons I gained throughout the climb and how that transformative experience has impacted my life.
PC: When did you author the book?
SN: Authoring this book has been a journey in itself. I began collecting notes during our practice sessions, as we prepared for the challenging hike. During the actual climb, I made a conscious effort to document as many events, experiences and observations as possible. Consequently, I started consolidating my notes and began drafting the book in earnest in January 2023. It took me nearly nine months to complete the manuscript, wrapping up the process in September 2023.
PC: What motivated you to author the book?
SN: Initially, when I started jotting down notes during our practice sessions, my intention was merely to document memories, possibly for sharing on my social media pages. However, as time went on, I realised that the material I had amassed was much more significant than a few Facebook posts. I recognised the potential for this experience to be shared with a broader audience. As someone with a long-standing desire to be a writer, I had been contemplating the idea of writing a book for many years. The Kilimanjaro challenge presented itself as the perfect opportunity to embark on this literary endeavour. My ultimate goal was to write the book in a manner that would transport the reader on this arduous journey with me, and I sincerely hope I have achieved that objective.
PC: How long did you take to write it?
SN: The process of writing the book spanned eight months, from January to September.
PC: Have you authored any books before?
SN: No, this is my debut book, but certainly not my last.
PC: Where can your book be found or purchased?
SN: My book, One Week in December — Summitting Mount Kilimanjaro, is available for purchase on Amazon. Readers have the option to choose between a Kindle version or a paperback copy. Additionally, we will be hosting a formal book launch event in Harare on December 22, where printed copies will be available for purchase. We are also in discussions with various book distributors and shops to make the book more widely available in physical bookstores.
PC: What inspired you to write this book?
SN: I have always had a passion for writing and had been contemplating authoring a book for some time. When I embarked on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with a group of fellow adventurers, I realised that the experiences and lessons we gained during that journey were worth sharing with others. The idea of capturing the essence of our eight-day hike, the triumphs, the struggles and the personal growth we encountered along the way became a driving force behind writing this book. I wanted readers to feel as though they were experiencing the climb alongside me and be inspired by the life and leadership lessons that unfolded during the expedition.
PC: What was your Kilimanjaro experience like?
SN: The Kilimanjaro experience was truly transformative for me. It encompassed a roller-coaster of emotions — excitement, pain, and profound memories that will stay with me forever. As a member of a team consisting of 19 other individuals, we embarked on a seven-day journey to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Each day, we started our hikes in the early morning, pushing our bodies to the limits as we covered up to 15 kilometres under the harshest conditions. We would then set up camp for the night, battling the unforgiving elements of cold and wet weather.
Throughout the expedition, we faced numerous risks and challenges. The high altitude posed a significant threat to our well-being. The body had to acclimatise to the diminishing oxygen levels as we ascended to higher altitudes. Many of us experienced the symptoms of high altitude sickness, such as persistent headaches, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite and shortness of breath. However, with the unwavering support of our guides and the camaraderie among teammates, we persevered.
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The views along the journey were breathtaking. From the dry savannah at the start to the snow-covered peak at the summit, it felt like traversing from the Equator to the North Pole. Standing atop Kilimanjaro, above the clouds and looking out at the vast expanse, it felt as if I had entered a different realm altogether.
The experience left an indelible mark on me, not just because of the physical feat but also the invaluable life lessons I garnered. The importance of resilience, teamwork, and pushing beyond one’s limits became evident with each step up the mountain. It was a humbling experience that reminded me of the strength we possess when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Overall, the Kilimanjaro expedition was an incredible adventure that tested both my physical and mental fortitude. It taught me the true meaning of endurance and reinforced my belief that great heights can be reached through determination and a supportive community.
PC: Why should one take a trip to Kilimanjaro?
SN: Taking a journey up Kilimanjaro is an unparalleled adventure that has the power to transform your life in countless ways. It offers a unique opportunity for self-discovery, pushing your limits, and gaining an entirely new perspective on life. Whether you wish to conquer a personal challenge, cross off a bucket list item, or simply seek a thrilling experience, Kilimanjaro holds immense rewards. It provides not only a test of your character and physical strength but also a chance to experience the euphoria of achievement and triumph. In short, if you are craving an unforgettable adventure that will leave a lasting impact, Kilimanjaro is undeniably the destination for you.
PC: Would you consider going back if given another chance?
SN: Although I never like to rule anything out, I would certainly consider returning to Kilimanjaro given the opportunity. Perhaps I would opt for a different route to explore new vistas and encounter fresh experiences. Every ascent holds its own unique set of challenges and rewards, so I would be enticed by the prospect of creating a whole new set of memories on the mountain.
PC: Why the title “One Week in December”?
SN: The title “One Week in December” was chosen to encapsulate the extraordinary and unforgettable experience of Kilimanjaro. That particular week holds tremendous significance for me, as it presented the most demanding and yet captivating period of my life. It is a time frozen in my memory, forever associated with the remarkable journey on the mountain. This title aims to capture the essence of a profound and life-altering experience.
PC: What does it mean?
SN: To me, “One Week in December” symbolises an extraordinary period of time that had a profound and everlasting impact on my life. It represents a single week that was filled with immense challenges, yet infused with profound beauty and personal growth. It embodies the transformative power of Kilimanjaro, forever etching its significance in my heart and soul.
PC: Tell me about yourself. Who is Stephen Ndiyamba?
SN: I am Stephen Ndiyamba, a husband, father, and engineer. Born in Nyazura, I began my primary education at Gurure Primary School before moving to Makokoba Bulawayo, where I completed my primary education at Mzilikazi Primary School. I furthered my education at Mzilikazi High School for my O and A levels, and later pursued a degree in Engineering at the University of Zimbabwe. I also pursued postgraduate studies with Nottingham Trent University.
Over the past three decades, I have worked in various roles within the mining industry in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Currently, I am employed as an Executive Manager for a mining company. Outside of my professional life, I am an avid adventure enthusiast and promote wellness. I enjoy engaging in outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking.

I strongly believe that the workplace should be a source of enjoyment, considering the significant amount of time spent there. Additionally, I am passionate about the well-being and engagement of employees, recognizing that they are the most valuable asset of any organisation. This belief fuels my commitment to enhancing and ensuring their physical and psychological safety, wellness, and overall engagement.