Energy Conversations Podcast

Kani Development Solutions

Powering Up South Africa: The Energy Conversations Podcast dives deep into the heart of South Africa's energy revolution. Hosted by seasonedz energy expert Thokozile Zambane and powered by the African Energy Leadership Centre at Wits Business School, this podcast platform decodes the complexities of our energy future. From policy shifts to groundbreaking innovations, we bring you insights from industry leaders and academic pioneers. Are you ready to be part of the change? Join the conversation!

  1. Jun 23

    The Skills South Africa Actually Needs for Nuclear, with Necsa's CEO

    Necsa Group CEO Loyiso Tyabashe says a nuclear plant's biggest workforce need isn't just physicists, it's artisans. In this episode, host Thokozile Zambane sits down with Tyabashe to unpack South Africa's nuclear roadmap: the revival of the PBMR, the IRP's 5,200MW target, and what it actually takes in skills, training and investment to get there. Covered in this episode: Why PBMR was taken out of care and maintenance, and what its move from Eskom to Necsa meansWhat a Small Modular Reactor is, and how it differs from KoebergThe skills South Africa has, and the ones it needs to rebuild or bring homeWhat success looks like for the programme over the next decadeEnergy Conversations is powered by Kani Development Solutions and the African Energy Leadership Centre at Wits Business School. Also on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. #NECSA #NuclearSA #SkillsDevelopment #EnergyConversations

    54 min

  2. May 19

    How to Think About Your Career in SA's New Energy Economy

    In this episode, we sit down with EWSETA to unpack the new energy careers emerging in South Africa  and how South Africans can get in early. From solar PV technicians and wind turbine operators to battery storage specialists and green hydrogen roles to entrepreneurs in law, finance and more, the Just Energy Transition is opening up career paths that didn't exist a decade ago. The catch? The skills gap is real and closing it is the difference between South Africans participating in this shift or being left behind. As one of South Africa's 21 SETAs, EWSETA (the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority) funds learnerships, bursaries, apprenticeships, and skills programmes designed to prepare South Africans for the jobs the energy transition is creating right now. In this conversation we cover: The fastest-growing energy careers in South Africa in 2026 Why solar PV, wind, and green hydrogen are creating thousands of new roles How EWSETA's learnerships and bursaries work — and who qualifies What young job seekers should be studying or training in today The Just Energy Transition and what it really means for SA's workforce How TVET colleges, employers, and EWSETA are working together to close the skills gap Whether you're a student, an unemployed youth, a career changer, or just trying to understand where South Africa's energy economy is headed, this episode is for you. 🔗 Learn more about EWSETA: https://ewseta.org.za  🔗 EWSETA Careers Portal: https://ewsetacareers.org.za Subscribe for new conversations shaping South Africa's energy transition.

    57 min
  3. SA's Power Market Is Changing. Here's What to Know | Full Episode

    Apr 21

    SA's Power Market Is Changing. Here's What to Know | Full Episode

    South Africa's electricity market is restructuring. The Electricity Regulation Amendment Act came into effect in January 2025, opening the door for competitive electricity trading for the first time. But what does that mean and who gets to participate? In this episode of Energy Conversations, Keith Bowen, Market Operator at NTCSA, breaks down what the new wholesale electricity market looks like, what roles it creates, and what skills are needed to fill them. In this episode, Keith speaks about: what a competitive electricity market means in practice the role of the energy trader: a position that barely existed in South Africa before the transferable skills the sector needs: financial risk management, engineering, data and forecasting, and IT infrastructure how professionals in banking, data science, engineering, and tech can transition into energy what the market reform means for large power users and regular consumers where households and businesses fit in the new market structure what still needs to happen before competition reaches your meter This is Season 3 of Energy Conversations, where we move from policy to participation, breaking down South Africa's energy transition into clear, practical language for workers, graduates, entrepreneurs, communities, and anyone who wants to understand South African energy. Energy Conversations is powered by Kani Development Solutions in partnership with the African Energy Leadership Centre at the Wits Business School.

    1h 4m
  4. Power Prices, Load Reduction and Participation with Minister Ramokgopa | Full Episode

    Mar 24

    Power Prices, Load Reduction and Participation with Minister Ramokgopa | Full Episode

    In this opening episode of Season 3 of Energy Conversations, Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on the issues ordinary South Africans care about most: load reduction, electricity prices, access, jobs, and community participation.  This season is about one big shift: moving from policy to participation. We're asking how energy plans, procurement programmes, grid expansion, and new technologies translate into real benefits for households, communities, workers, entrepreneurs, and local industry.  In this episode, the Minister speaks about: the plan to end load reduction why electricity affordability is now a major priority the rollout of microgrids, solar and battery solutions in villages and underserved communities how to make sure energy projects are built with communities, not around them how government wants to create more room for local participation, skills development, and entrepreneurship the 3 outcomes South Africans should hold government accountable for over the next year How do ordinary South Africans participate in the energy transition?  Season 3 of Energy Conversations will continue unpacking that question by breaking down the energy sector into clear, practical language that you can understand, question, and engage with. Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation. What questions do you want answered this season? Share them in the comments. Energy Conversations is powered by Kani Development Solutions in partnership with the African Energy Leadership Centre at the Wits Business School.  Where to find us:   LinkedIn: energyconvos  Instagram:  energyconvos TikTok:  ​energyconvos #EnergyConversations #SouthAfricaGrid #KgosientshoRamokgopa #LoadReduction

    58 min
  5. Entering the Energy Sector Without a Formal Degree (Part 2)

    10/07/2025 ·  Bonus

    Entering the Energy Sector Without a Formal Degree (Part 2)

    What does it take to build a career in energy without a degree?Hosts Nolukhanyo Mpisane and Wandile Ntshingila speak with Kedibone, an administrator turned aspiring energy professional, proving that passion and persistence can open doors. She shares how short courses, curiosity, and continuous learning shaped her path and how she’s helping others enter the renewable energy space. Watch Part 1 with Zukisani George from De Aar, Northern Cape: ⁠https://youtu.be/tiGtbMG4Cn4?si=_8gZmzbW6xH9--a9 ⁠No one should be left behind in the Just Energy Transition. #YouthInEnergy #EnergyConversations #RenewableEnergy #CareerPathways #EnergyTransition #SkillsDevelopment

    24 min
  6. Energy Careers: Monde Bala

    10/01/2025

    Energy Careers: Monde Bala

    Energy Careers brings you a focused conversation with Monde Bala, CEO of the National Transmission Company of South Africa. He shares his career journey from his studies through his early professional roles to leading the country’s new transmission entity. The discussion explores Eskom’s restructuring, the mandate of the NTCSA, and what transmission reform means for reliability, grid investment, and the Just Energy Transition. Mr Bala also offers a perspective on regulatory changes, private sector participation, and how communities and businesses can adapt to a transforming energy system.

    11 min
  7. Building the Backbone: How NTCSA is Leading South Africa’s Energy Future

    09/23/2025

    Building the Backbone: How NTCSA is Leading South Africa’s Energy Future

    This episode of Energy Conversations features Monde Bala, CEO of the National Transmission Company of South Africa. He discusses the restructuring of Eskom, the role of the new transmission company, and its implications for South Africa’s electricity future. The conversation unpacks how transmission reforms affect reliability, investment in the grid, and the country’s Just Energy Transition. Mr Bala also shares insights on regulatory shifts, private sector participation, and how communities and businesses can position themselves in a changing energy system.

    45 min
  8. Market Readiness 101: A Playbook for Market Access in Energy

    09/16/2025

    Market Readiness 101: A Playbook for Market Access in Energy

    How do you become a supplier of choice in South Africa’s energy ecosystem? In this episode, Thokozile Zambane is joined by Oliver Johnston (Solink), Rita Chen (Agripower), and Mandisa Ngcobo (Nobantu Consulting) to unpack the realities of market access — beyond compliance and beyond capital. From what clients actually look for in suppliers, to how entrepreneurs can position themselves for visibility, trust, and delivery, this episode offers a practical, honest look at what it takes to move from "in business" to in demand. Essential listening for energy entrepreneurs looking to build client-ready, contract-winning businesses in a competitive market. #EnergyConversations #MarketAccess #EntrepreneursInEnergy #SupplierReadiness

    57 min
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About

Powering Up South Africa: The Energy Conversations Podcast dives deep into the heart of South Africa's energy revolution. Hosted by seasonedz energy expert Thokozile Zambane and powered by the African Energy Leadership Centre at Wits Business School, this podcast platform decodes the complexities of our energy future. From policy shifts to groundbreaking innovations, we bring you insights from industry leaders and academic pioneers. Are you ready to be part of the change? Join the conversation!

Information

  • Creator
    Kani Development Solutions
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kani Development Solutions
  • Show Website
    Energy Conversations Podcast