
“Divaine Growth Solutions is running an 18-month Female Development Programme focusing on the emancipation and empowerment of women owned businesses within the energy sector”
Exclusive interview with Sindi Mzamo, Director at Divaine Growth Solutions and valued member of the African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa Advisory Board and an official event ambassador.
Let’s start with some background on your journey in the energy sector and
My journey started as a chief operating officer and head of marketing of the Edison Power Group, and as the first and only woman among the five directors on the board of the group. One of my roles was to critically influence the overall charge over strategic planning, quality systems, operations, management and other full leadership responsibilities of electrical installation enterprise. My vision has always been to break new ground for South Africa’s black people, particularly women in the business and economic arenas particularly in the energy sector.
My role at
I personally seek to be a role model for more active participation of black women in business leadership roles in South Africa and within the energy sector.
Any particular projects in the energy and infrastructure sectors you are involved in that you are currently very excited about?
We are working with our stakeholders in off-grid projects within the Western Cape and North West, that is something in the pipeline and we are excited about and looking forward to
Any success stories/case studies you can share?
Our success story as a women-owned business is an ability to be part of the Association of Municipal Electricity Utility Women in Business from its inception up until now, we have seen the transformation within the sector and we are still looking more. We will definitely share the case studies in due course we are currently working on exciting projects.
Where in Africa are you active?
At the moment from an infrastructure project point of
What is your vision for smart energy in South Africa? And on the continent? What are the main challenges in your view?
South Africa is now facing increasing economic challenges with a changing electricity landscape. The national drive for lower carbon generation options including renewable energy and distributed generation combined with greatly improved efficiency on the demand side should have an intelligent network capability. Renewable energy and smart meters are a perfect solution for a smart energy solution in South Africa.
Despite Africa’s huge sustainable energy potential, it still faces a serious power crisis, which has crippled efforts to increase the manufacture of consumer goods and industrial equipment. Smart Energy is the solution to the energy crisis in the continent. The challenges are technical, institutional and socio-economic challenges that relate to regulatory frameworks, lack of integration and a lack of strong business cases and a lack of incentives amongst the owners and end user for flexible consumption.
What can be done to attract more women to this sector?
What are you most looking forward to at African Utility Week in May?
Outcomes that will address electricity poverty on the continent. A Women Programme
Anything you would like to add?
All conference resolutions need to be followed up and also have CEO Forum sessions across the continent