South Africa’s energy future is being shaped by a new wave of skilled professionals and entrepreneurs supported by the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA), in collaboration with African Women in Energy and Power (AWEaP) and Wits Business School (WBS). Among these emerging leaders is Khanyi Kumalo, Founder of Green Products Consulting and a graduate of the AWEaP Entrepreneur Master Class, who is driving change by integrating innovative solutions across industries to foster a sustainable energy landscape.

Through the EWSETA-supported programme, Kumalo has refined her business strategy and expanded her vision across several sectors in the green economy. Initially focused on renewable energy and green hydrogen, Kumalo’s business has now evolved to include opportunities in waste-to-energy, hydro, gas and even coal.

“This programme pushed me beyond a linear way of thinking. I’ve learned how to apply my knowledge more broadly and strategically,” she says.

One of her key insights came from recognising the potential within the waste sector, an area she had previously overlooked. Inspired by innovators and experts in the programme, Kumalo is preparing to launch a pilot project that will convert organic waste into bioenergy. The initiative is set to be developed in collaboration with municipalities and community stakeholders. The Master Class also introduced her to financial modelling and market analysis, which enabled her to assess new opportunities with greater precision. More than just technical knowledge, Kumalo credits the programme with giving her the confidence to reimagine the scope and impact of her enterprise.

EWSETA’s support of initiatives like this reflects a broader commitment to building an inclusive and skilled energy workforce. This includes bursaries for young women in STEM fields, mentorship opportunities and targeted leadership development programmes. All of these efforts are aligned with South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET), Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and National Development Plan (NDP).

“We need new voices and perspectives. Programmes like these ensure that more women, whether seasoned professionals or newcomers, can access the tools and networks they need to lead in the energy sector,” says Kumalo.

The AWEaP Entrepreneur Master Class forms part of the wider JET Skills Development Programme, which has already supported 60 entrepreneurs and trained 30 utility professionals. “Khanyi’s journey shows how targeted skills development unlocks innovation and economic opportunity. Our vision at EWSETA is to ensure South Africa’s energy transition is inclusive, and that women like Khanyi are not just participants, but leaders in this transformation,” says Mpho Mookapele, CEO of EWSETA.

Through empowering women with the right skills, knowledge and connections, EWSETA and its partners are actively responding to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to fast-track energy solutions while creating meaningful opportunities for youth and emerging professionals. As Kumalo’s story illustrates, when entrepreneurs are empowered with the right skills and networks, they can become catalysts for change.