Despite strong policies, women remain underrepresented in South Africa’s energy leadership. At this critical moment of sector renewal, gender-diverse leadership is not only an equity imperative – it is a driver of innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability. This programme is the sector’s signature response: a catalyst for transformation, equity, and excellence.
South Africa’s energy landscape is evolving at a fast pace, calling for leadership that is diverse, resilient, and prepared for the future. To respond to this need, the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE), in partnership with GIZ through the South African German Energy Programme (SAGEN), has introduced the C-Suite Women in Energy Empowerment Programme, which will be delivered by African Women in Energy and Power (AWEaP).
Department of Electricity (DEE):
The Department of Electricity and Energy was established in 2024, after the separation of electricity and energy functions from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), and the transfer of the energy entity oversight functions of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), to address South Africa’s persistent energy challenges and provide dedicated oversight and coordination of electricity and energy security. One of the department key priorities is qualitatively transforming energy demographics elevating the role of women and youth and ensure equitable participation in the energy sector. The priority will be achieved through the implementation of the Energy Sector Women Empowerment and Gender Equality Strategy, which was designed to provide strategic guidelines on the economic empowerment of women, transformation, and gender mainstreaming in the energy sector, in partnership with stakeholders.
https://www.dmre.gov.za/
GIZ SAGEN:
The South African-German Energy Programme (SAGEN) was established in 2011 and provides international know-how to decision-makers and utilities to support a reliable, affordable and clean energy future for all. SAGEN is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in cooperation with the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE), the National Treasury of South Africa, Eskom, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI). SAGEN is funding the C-Suite programme under the strategic guidance of the DEE. https://sagen.org.za/
Implemented by AWEaP:
The African Women in Energy and Power (AWEaP) is a non-profit initiative dedicated to advancing women’s participation across the energy and power value chain.
Energy poverty has a gender bias. Women constitute a considerable part of the 600 million people without access to clean energy. Through a collaborative effort, men and women in Africa can work together to create an inclusive Energy and Power sector where all stakeholders benefit.
ACADEMIC PARTNER
Implemented by Wits Business School (WBS):
WBS is a leading academic institution offering executive education and leadership programmes that empower professionals to excel in dynamic and complex sectors like energy.
Wits Business School’s African Energy Leadership Centre (AELC) is the strategic partner who will design and deliver the academic element for the C-Suite Women in Energy Empowerment Programme. The Centre was conceptualised by industry visionaries who saw the need to respond to the shortage of skills in a sector undergoing rapid disruption. The Center will work with project partners to deliver and evolve the academic programme to meet South Africa’s Just Energy Skills needs. The collaboration is built on a shared vision to advance professionals and entrepreneurs through world-class academic content as a response to the female leadership gap gender in the energy sector.
One-on-one guidance from seasoned national and international energy leaders.
Structured exchanges, problem-solving sessions, and leadership simulations.
Tailored international exposure in Germany, with site visits, global forums, and gender-focused executive training.
Cutting-edge curriculum co-developed with academic and industry experts, contextualised to South Africa’s energy challenges.
Signature events with global thought leaders, policymakers, and industry disruptors.
An elite post-programme community fostering ongoing mentorship, innovation, and influence.
We appreciate the overwhelming support that the C-Suite Women in Energy Empowerment Programme has received and extend our congratulations to all applicants who successfully submitted their entries by the deadline.
Applications for mentees officially closed on 16 October at 17:00.
Please note that any applications submitted directly to the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE), Wits Business School, or the African Women in Energy and Power (AWEaP), after the closing date will not be considered.
Similarly, applications completed or received after 17:00 on 16 October 2025 fall outside the eligibility window and will not form part of the review process.
