“The African energy landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, and women are at the forefront of this positive change. […] We are proud to support and amplify their voices in the industry.” Liz Hart, Managing Director of the Africa Energy Indaba.
On March 7, 2024, the Women in Energy Breakfast, an official side event of the Africa Energy Indaba, was opened by Jacob Mbele, Director General at the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy ? Under the theme "Advancing Women Leadership in the Energy Sector," speakers shared their inspiring career stories.
Faith Mkhacwa, General Manager for Energy Efficiency at Sanedi.org spoke about “Leading with Impact in the African Energy Sector”, emphazising the importance of mentorship as she ascribes her success to mentors who looked past her gender and saw her skills, abilities and potential. Role models are crucial to encourage girls to enter the energy space.
Zanele Hakamela, Gender Mainstreaming Advisor at the South African-German Energy Programme (SAGEN), shared her experience, recalling Faith as her role model during her intern days. Quoting Faith's powerful words, "Do not allow yourselves to be muted. When you speak it, you manifest it." Zanele spoke about the importance of voice and action. She reminded the audience that diversity isn't merely about statistics or checkboxes but a vital imperative for progress.
Nicky Van De Poel, Director of Outage Services at Lesedi Nuclear Services, shared her experience as one of the few women in South Africa's nuclear energy sector. She mentioned the invaluable support from her team over the past decade, noting how her perspective as a woman allows her to approach strategy and team cohesion holistically.
Dr Gloria Magombo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship and women taking risks. She encouraged women to seize opportunities in the energy sector, urging them to become service providers rather than mere consumers.
Elizabeth Marabwa, Chief Director at the DMRE, concluded the event by emphasizing key leadership values including effective communication, empathy, encouragement, adaptability, teamwork, and the importance of nurturing leaders. She underscored the notion that true leadership begets more leaders, not followers.
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