WOMEN IN POWER

Enel Green Power RSA (EGP RSA) is a beacon of gender diversity in a sector dominated by men. In honour of Women’s Month, we asked three women leading different aspects of the business to share their perspectives on what it is like to work in the country’

NONTOKOZO NKOSI

– Head of Commercial Office,

South Africa Nontokozo Nkosi has been in her current position since January 2018, having joined the company two years ago. As Head of Department, she is responsible for identifying and originating new business opportunities.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?

I have been in the renewable energy industry for five years and it’s amazing to see how it’s grown and transformed. This is an industry that has attracted international players, giving us opportunities to interact, learn and share with people from all over the world. I came from the financial industry; I would not have thought it possible to amass considerable knowledge and experience in a relatively short space of time. It is exciting to work for market leader in the renewables sector.

WHAT IS YOUR UNIQUE CONTRIBUTION TO THE ROLE?

Attention to detail, even in a complex, multifaceted environment where you have to bring together very different disciplines to achieve a specific goal. Passion and drive, especially in a maledominated industry. Soft but firm persuasion

skills in complex and difficult negotiations. A “yes, we can” attitude, positivity and a smile when dealing with dynamic situations. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR WOMEN WHO WANT TO WORK IN THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR? Be prepared to be a pioneer. This is a new and dynamic sector in South Africa so the ground is fertile for innovation and new ideas. It’s “a place to be” for development and self-advancement. If you’re qualified and capable, you can contribute in the sector – from site construction all the way to the boardroom.

Remain authentic and embrace your femininity.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WOMEN’S DAY AND MONTH FOR YOU?

This year is particularly significant – we lost Mama Winnie (Madikizela-Mandela), a leader, pioneer, stalwart and icon of strength in adversity. It’s important to continue the work that was started by the women of 1956, to take the baton and create space for other women to also flourish. Despite the amount of work still required to bring about transformation, not only in this sector but in various industries, I am reminded of my responsibility to be part of the change, to break through personal barriers and to inspire others. It’s incredible what we can achieve if we stand and lift each other as we rise.

KHANYISA TYALA

– Head of Procurement, South Africa As Procurement Head for South Africa, Khanyisa Tyala is responsible for enforcing procurement policies and processes set by Central Procurement and ensuring they are applicable to the South African market. It is also her to job to ensure that the company fulfils the purpose of the broader Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP) as it applies to skills transfer and the empowerment of small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs).

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?

When I joined the company in 2015, we started from scratch, standardising documents, ensuring that we comply with local market requirements, conducting a market analysis and vendor scouting. We were able to source black-owned and BEEE-compliant suppliers in a fairly new sector in South Africa.

WHAT IS YOUR UNIQUE CONTRIBUTION TO THE ROLE?

My objective is to grow a capable, all-encompassing and dynamic team, and hopefully make a positive contribution to the suppliers we interact with in the course of our work. In a male-dominated industry, I make a point of remaining grounded in my femininity; it is possible to be both assertive and feminine. I am always eager to take on new experiences and I love a good challenge.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR WOMEN WHO WANT TO WORK IN THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR?

It is an exciting space, considering global trends and advances made in renewable energy, complemented by growth potential in the continent and various career and SMME opportunities. Women can play an important role in the sector.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WOMEN’S DAY AND MONTH FOR YOU?

It means the recognition of women, mutual solidarity and support.

TRENISHA HARDEV SINGH

– Business Development Professional Trenisha Hardev Singh is employed in the Business Development team and has been at EGP RSA for almost three years. Her role is to investigate renewable energy opportunities and avenues for South Africa and subSaharan countries and to ensure the successful development of projects until they are ready to be constructed.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?

Working in renewable energy. Making a difference in our world by providing cleaner energy is very fulfilling. Gaining local and international experience. I get to meet different individuals – from landowners to shareholders and financiers – each one of them with a unique perspective on renewable energy. EGP RSA also invests in the communities around our power plants and seeing the difference that our projects bring to these communities is encouraging.

WHAT IS

YOUR UNIQUE CONTRIBUTION TO THE ROLE?

Over the years there has been much debate about women in the workplace and time and time again we have seen that diversity makes for better decision-making and more successful relationships.

I interact with multiple stakeholders and I find it easy to adjust my approach. With some stakeholders you need a softer, compassionate approach which comes rather easily to me, and in other instances a firmer more assertive approach is required.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR WOMEN WHO WANT TO WORK IN THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR?

While the industry is still male-dominated, we are seeing more and more women joining the industry. If you have your heart set on making a difference in our world and leaving a positive impact, follow your dreams, stay in school and study further, and you will be welcomed into this innovative industry. I would encourage young girls to pursue subjects in science and engineering – these will facilitate your entry into the renewable energy industry.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WOMEN’S DAY AND MONTH FOR YOU?

This is an occasion to reflect on the opportunities and path made easier by women of the past. We are fortunate to reap the benefits of the hard work of other women who fought hard against discriminatory laws. We must make it worth their efforts and make them proud.

Without their victory in the struggle, I would not have had the opportunity to be where

I am today. This month is a celebration of perseverance and acceptance of diversity.