Energy Conversations Podcast

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.

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.

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

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

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.