For Eskom‘s Group Executive: Strategy and Sustainability, Nontokozo Hadebe, the future of energy is not an abstract debate. It is about solving one practical challenge: keeping South Africa powered today while building an energy system that can meet the country’s future needs.
“Eskom must keep the lights on today, but it must also make sure the lights can stay on in future,” says Hadebe. “The energy sector is changing, and there are different ways of delivering electricity and meeting the country’s needs.”
Balancing today’s needs with tomorrow’s challenges
According to Hadebe, that balance lies at the centre of Eskom’s sustainability journey.
It means ensuring reliable electricity supply, keeping power affordable, improving environmental performance and maintaining Eskom as a viable organisation capable of serving South Africa well into the future.
The national Integrated Resource Plan confirms Eskom’s central role in energy security, particularly through firm generation that supports grid stability and consistent electricity demand.
However, Hadebe says sustainability goes beyond maintaining existing infrastructure.
“It is also about operating them more responsibly, improving compliance, reducing emissions where possible and preparing for a cleaner, more diversified energy future.”
Building on existing strengths
Eskom’s future includes renewable energy and new technologies while making use of the organisation’s existing assets.
These include land, grid access, power station sites, infrastructure and a skilled workforce.
According to Hadebe, these strengths have the potential to attract investment, support industrialisation and position Eskom as an important enabler of South Africa’s energy transition.
A just energy transition
Hadebe believes the country’s energy transition must benefit both people and communities.
For her, a just transition should protect livelihoods, create opportunities and strengthen local manufacturing, enterprise and skills development instead of simply replacing one technology with another.
The role of women in the energy transition
Hadebe also highlights the important role women play in shaping South Africa’s energy future.
She believes women often experience the real-world effects of energy decisions most directly within homes, communities and workplaces.
“They understand what unreliable, unaffordable or harmful energy means for families and local economies.”
According to Hadebe, the energy transition is not only a technical issue but also a social and economic one.
Women bring valuable perspectives, innovation and entrepreneurship to discussions that will influence employment, health, investment and community development for years to come.
Working with business
Hadebe’s message to the business community is clear.
Eskom remains central to South Africa’s economic future, providing the electricity businesses need to grow, compete and invest while responding to increasing pressure to decarbonise and manage electricity costs.
She says Eskom is addressing these challenges by focusing on operational stability, responsible practices, renewable energy enablement and partnerships where appropriate.
Looking ahead
According to Hadebe, Eskom’s future is not about working in isolation.
Instead, it is about building a sustainable, bankable and responsive organisation that supports new industries, attracts investment and contributes to South Africa’s long-term energy future.
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