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Energy Conversations Podcast

Energy Conversations Podcast

Kani Development Solutions 68 Episodes Jul 14, 2026

The Energy Conversations Podcast explores South Africa's energy revolution, covering policy shifts, innovations, and insights from industry leaders and academic pioneers. Hosted by energy expert Thokozile Zambane and powered by the African Energy Leadership Centre at Wits Business School, it aims to decode the complexities of the country's energy future.

Episodes

Listening to Lead: How Loyiso Tyabashe Rebuilt South Africa's Nuclear Energy Firm, Necsa
Listening to Lead: How Loyiso Tyabashe Rebuilt South Africa's Nuclear Energy Firm, Necsa Jul 14, 2026 00:22:04 Loyiso Tyabashe, Group CEO of Nexa (the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation), traces his path from a village outside Mthatha to leading one of South Africa's key energy institutions. He talks through the chance detour from automotive engineering into nuclear at Koeberg, the "nuclearisation" training that reshaped how he makes decisions, and the toughest transition of his life —
The Skills South Africa Actually Needs for Nuclear, with Necsa's CEO
The Skills South Africa Actually Needs for Nuclear, with Necsa's CEO Jun 23, 2026 00:54:18 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 car
How to Think About Your Career in SA's New Energy Economy
How to Think About Your Career in SA's New Energy Economy May 19, 2026 00:56:40 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 ski
SA's Power Market Is Changing. Here's What to Know | Full Episode
SA's Power Market Is Changing. Here's What to Know | Full Episode Apr 21, 2026 01:04:21 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 lik
Power Prices, Load Reduction and Participation with Minister Ramokgopa | Full Episode
Power Prices, Load Reduction and Participation with Minister Ramokgopa | Full Episode Mar 24, 2026 00:58:28 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 pla
Entering the Energy Sector Without a Formal Degree (Part 2)
Entering the Energy Sector Without a Formal Degree (Part 2) Oct 7, 2025 00:24:17 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
Energy Careers: Monde Bala
Energy Careers: Monde Bala Oct 1, 2025 00:11:09 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, a
Building the Backbone: How NTCSA is Leading South Africa’s Energy Future
Building the Backbone: How NTCSA is Leading South Africa’s Energy Future Sep 23, 2025 00:44:49 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 Ba
Market Readiness 101: A Playbook for Market Access in Energy
Market Readiness 101: A Playbook for Market Access in Energy Sep 16, 2025 00:57:24 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 visibili
Youth in Energy Conversations Podcast – Season 2, Episode 3: AI and Tech
Youth in Energy Conversations Podcast – Season 2, Episode 3: AI and Tech Sep 9, 2025 00:40:14 In this episode of the Youth in Energy Conversations Podcast, we dive into how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools are transforming operations and maintenance (O&M) in the renewable energy sector.Our guest, Joshua, a young and innovative entrepreneur, shares how tech-driven solutions are making energy systems more reliable, unlocking new business models, and shaping the future of in
Energy Careers: Marike Wilson & Shaun Slabber
Energy Careers: Marike Wilson & Shaun Slabber Sep 3, 2025 00:27:56 In this episode of Energy Careers, hosts Nolukhanyo Mpisane and Wandile Ntshingila dive into the dynamic career paths of two professionals shaping South Africa’s carbon economy, Marike Wilson, CFO of Fibon Group, and Shaun Slabber, CEO of Crunch Carbon.Through personal stories and professional insights, the episode unpacks:🔹 How each guest entered and evolved in the energy and carbon space🔹 Key sk
Carbon Markets & South Africa’s Role in the Global Carbon Economy
Carbon Markets & South Africa’s Role in the Global Carbon Economy Aug 26, 2025 00:41:01 In this episode, host Thokozile Zambane explores the future of carbon markets and South Africa’s role in the global carbon economy. She is joined by Marike Wilson, CFO of Fibon Group, and Shaun Slabber, CEO of Crunch Carbon.The discussion covers:How carbon credits and trading workOpportunities and risks for South Africa in the global carbon marketThe role of policy, investment, and accountabilityW

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