Eskom, South Africa’s largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, has taken a significant step towards expanding its renewable energy portfolio by creating a new role, Group Executive for Renewables, and appointing Rivoningo Mnisi to the position.
This strategic move underscores the state-owned electricity utility’s commitment to integrating renewable energy sources into its generation mix. Historically, Eskom has relied heavily on its fleet of coal-fired power plants, which have been major contributors to air pollution and climate change.
In a statement released on Friday, Eskom announced that Rivoningo Mnisi will be responsible for developing a robust renewable energy business within the company. His primary focus will be on advancing an initial pipeline of at least 2GW of clean energy projects by 2026. “He will also lead the advancement of Eskom’s pipeline of more than 20GW of clean energy projects to diversify its energy mix as part of the emissions reduction strategy,” the statement added.
Mnisi brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served as Chief Strategy Officer at resources group Exxaro. His professional background also includes positions at Anglo American. Mnisi holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Johannesburg, a BSc (honours) in applied science from the University of Pretoria, and an MBA from the Gordon Institute of Business Science.
In addition to Mnisi’s appointment, Eskom has named Candice Hartley as Chief People Officer. Hartley’s key responsibilities will include ensuring that Eskom has the necessary skills to operate effectively in a competitive marketplace. She will also focus on transitioning Eskom’s human capital practices and workforce plans to align with the company’s strategic goals, promoting the wider adoption of technology across the organization.
Before joining Eskom, Hartley was the Executive Partner and Head of People at KPMG in South Africa. Her extensive career includes roles at AECI, British American Tobacco, Pernod Ricard, Lenovo, Barloworld, Standard Bank, and South African Breweries. Hartley holds an MBA and has completed a PhD through the Faculty of Commerce at the University of Cape Town.
These appointments reflect Eskom’s broader efforts to enhance its operational efficiency and sustainability through strategic leadership and a renewed focus on clean energy initiatives.
