Construction World October 2021

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

Enel Green Power (EGP) RSA is proud to announce the appointment of Nontokozo Nkosi, current Head of its South African Commercial Office, to the board of the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) as a co-opted member. SAWEA APPOINTS NONTOKOZO NKOSI TO BOARD MEMBER POSITION

“I envision a holistic and sustainable transformation in the industry that is inclusive of all South Africans irrespective of creed, race or gender.”

in the industry sectors remain. Leading the transformational charge “Being a part of SAWEA provides the ideal platform for changemakers to network and collaborate on a shared vision and play an instrumental role in driving and advocating for fair opportunities and the overall growth of the renewable energy sector,” adds Nkosi. She believes that associations like SAWEA and others must become the industry gatekeepers to drive people empowerment and create fair and open opportunities that will reach all South Africans while creating an attractive market for local and international investors. “I envision a holistic and sustainable transformation in the industry that is inclusive of all South Africans irrespective of creed, race or gender, particularly female participation and empowerment. Women are game-changers in the renewable energy industry, and female participation should not be by chance but instead by design,” she concludes. William Price, Country Manager at EGP RSA echoes Nkosi’s sentiments and adds: “At EGP RSA we are committed to fair representation and transformation. We are exceptionally proud of Nontokozo’s achievements and believe that with her passion for the renewables industry and her alignment with the key objectives of SAWEA, there is no doubt that her contribution to the association will help take it, and herself, to even greater heights.” 

viable, affordable and sustainable energy source to power South Africa forward. “I am excited to take up the position of co-opted board member within SAWEA,” says Nkosi. “I believe my current position within EGP RSA will allow me to drive the mandate of the association, and I regard it as a privilege to assist SAWEA in realising its vision.” Driven by passion and a thirst for knowledge Nkosi’s determination and commitment to boosting her education has ensured that she always puts her best foot forward in the complex and growing renewable energy sector. Her educational background includes EGP’s School of Business Development course, a customised two-year program from Bocconi School of Management in Milan, Italy. Nkosi holds a bachelor’s degree in management leadership (strategic management) from the University of the Free State, a post-graduate diploma in business management at Regenesys Business School, and is currently pursuing an MBA. Passionate about the potential of renewable energy in mitigating South Africa’s economic, power, and unemployment challenges, Nkosi notes that the country’s unique abundance of natural energy sources must be harnessed. She acknowledges that while the REIPPP programme was initiated nearly a decade ago, the balanced representation challenges

Nontokozo Nkosi, Head of Enel's South African Commercial Office.

H aving joined EGP RSA in 2016 as a Commercial Officer, Nkosi’s key responsibilities include identifying and originating new business opportunities. This entails scouting, origination, structuring and pricing of long-term PPAs for new renewable capacity around the world with industrial, commercial, and non-traditional off-takers, as well as ensuring the business enjoys organic growth year-on-year. In addition to her current role, she serves as a board member for the EGP South African Project Portfolio. As a membership body committed to the development of a thriving commercial wind power industry in South Africa, SAWEA acts in the interest of the South African public and seeks to improve the quality of life for all citizens, particularly those who have been systematically disadvantaged and those who have been impacted directly by the industry through its operational practices. Additionally, its mandate includes promoting wind energy as a

20 CONSTRUCTION WORLD OCTOBER 2021