Agenda
Venue
The Conference will take place at the University of the Witwatersrand
Address – Senate room, Senate house/Solomon Mahlangu house; East Campus; Braamfontein; Johannesburg
Key to Sessions
Workshops will provide insights into in the South African energy landscape, the opportunities created by the energy transition and how youth can be at the forefront of sustainable development in the sector.
Company Spotlights Each company will present their vision and ESG policy and share information on their initiatives. They will also talk students through their hiring process, giving tips on how to be successful, as well as sharing any open opportunities. Following the presentations, attendees will be invited to ask questions.
08:00-09:00 Registration & Networking
09:00 – 09:15 YES! Opening Remarks: Shiddika Mohamed. CEO, YES!
Simon Cooper, Partnerships Manager, YES!
09:15-09:30 Host Venue Welcome Remarks:
Speaker: Prof. Thoko Majozi, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand
09:30-09:50 Keynote Address:
The Ministry of Energy and Electricity (DEE) will share their vision for South Africa’s energy landscape, and the exciting opportunities for the future of South Africa’s youth as part of their plans
Speaker: Senior Representative, Ministry of Energy and Electricity (DEE)
09:50-10:50 Workshop:
Laying the Foundations for Energy Development, Economic Growth and Youth Employment: What future development looks like and how you can get involved.
The IPP Office is at the heart of efforts to diversify the energy mix, ensuring a secure and sustainable power supply by procuring renewable and non-renewable energy from the private sector. Beyond energy procurement, the IPP Procurement Programme (IPPPP) plays a critical role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering social upliftment. By stimulating an indigenous renewable energy industry and broadening economic ownership, the programme is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
This session will explore the role of the IPP Office in shaping South Africa’s energy landscape, the opportunities it creates for young professionals, and how you can become part of the country’s next generation of energy leaders. Whether you're interested in policy, project development, or the economic impact of energy projects, this discussion will provide key insights into how energy development can drive youth employment and economic transformation.
Speaker: Ms Lumka Mdlulwa, Senior Infrastructure Finance Specialist, IPP Office
10:50-11:20 Networking Coffee
11:20-12:00 Workshop: Why the Energy Transition is Full of Exciting Opportunities!
Eskom Holdings is the backbone of South Africa’s electricity sector, generating 95% of the country’s power and 60% of the total electricity consumed on the African continent. As one of the largest employers in the South African industry, with over 40,000 employees, Eskom plays an important role not only in energy supply but also in career development and socio-economic transformation.
As South Africa moves toward a cleaner and greener energy future, Eskom’s Just Energy Transition (JET) Office is at the forefront of ensuring that this shift is sustainable, inclusive, and filled with new opportunities. JET aims to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050, while also fostering job creation, improving air quality, and preserving biodiversity.
In this session, Eskom will share inspiring stories from Eskom’s Just Energy Transition, highlighting how young professionals and graduates can play a role in shaping South Africa’s energy future. They will also discuss how Eskom is investing in its workforce by fostering a growth mindset, and career development, making it an exciting and rewarding place to build a career.
Speaker: Dr Dana Gampel, Corporate Specialist: Just Energy Transition, Eskom
12:00-13:20
13:20-13:40
Networking Lunch
Company Spotlight: Camco Fund Managers
As a climate and impact fund manager, Camco plays a key role in financing clean energy projects across Africa. Through investment platforms such as REPP, REPP2, and Spark, Camco supports innovative renewable energy solutions that address climate change while expanding access to clean, reliable power.
Beyond financing, Camco helps create an enabling environment for climate finance mobilisation, working to bridge the gap between investment and implementation. In this session Laura Lahti and Rafik Ismael will explore climate and renewable energy finance, as well as the importance of ESG principles in driving sustainable energy development across the continent.
Speakers: Laura Lahti, Head of Impact, Camco Fund Managers Rafik Ismael, Regional Director - Southern Africa, Camco Fund Managers
13:40-14:00 Company Spotlight: Pele Energy Group
Founded in 2009, Pele Energy Group is dedicated to driving structural change by harnessing the power of innovative renewable energy projects and knowledge-based initiatives.
At the heart of their strategy is the synergy between Pele Green Energy (PGE) and Knowledge Pele (KP). Over the past 15 years, PGE has delivered more than 1GW of projects that not only generate power but also serve as catalysts for significant transformation in South Africa’s energy landscape.
Equally integral to their mission is, KP, which has impacted over 10,000 lives by linking energy infrastructure with education, skills development, and community investments. Together, PGE and KP form a strategic ecosystem where each entity enhances and reinforces the other’s value demonstrating that generating power and building knowledge are inseparable components in driving comprehensive structural change and fostering long-term socio-economic progress.
In this session PGE will share how Pele Energy Group seeks graduates across diverse sectors including marketing, finance, and engineering especially those who share their commitment to using power and knowledge as transformative tools for the betterment of South Africa and the African continent.
Speaker: Melissa Wilkinson, Chief People Officer, Pele Energy Group
14:00-14:20 Company Spotlight: Bowmans
With eight offices in six African countries and over five hundred specialist lawyers, Bowmans join clients as partners, weaving together legal expertise, local market acumen, and an intuitive grasp of client business.
Through Bowmans graduate recruitment programme, Bowmans make a variety of graduate recruitment offerings at their respective offices to give graduates access to on-the-job training and mentorship; experience and exposure to various areas of law; and the ability to interact with their highly competent professionals.
During the recruiter’s spotlight Bowmans will talk through their various graduate programmes and how you can apply:
• Bowmans Bursary
• Bowmans Break: Summer
• Bowmans Candidate Attorney Programme
Speakers: Lesedi Letshokgohla, Candidate Attorney, Bowmans Tshianzi Tshinaba, Candidate Attorney, Bowmans
14:20-14:40 Company Spotlight: ENERTRAG South Africa
ENERTRAG has been driving forward the energy transition for the past 25 years and more. More than 1,100 employees design, build and operate integrated power plants supplied by wind turbines and solar installations. These provide electricity, heat and green hydrogen. ENERTRAG are committed to the energy transition at regional, national and international level – protecting our planet for current and future generations
In order to make this happen, they offer various career opportunities for passionate individuals eager to make an impact in the renewable energy sector. In this session ENERTRAG will share the variety of roles, from engineering and project development to finance, and how their employees are empowered to grow within a dynamic, purpose-driven organization focused on shaping a sustainable future.
Speakers: Gcina Mthembu, Human Resources Advisor, ENERTRAG
14:40-15:00
15:00-15:30