Renewables
Women face leadership barriers in South Africa's renewables sector
Although entering South Africa's renewable energy workforce in growing numbers, women remain underrepresented in senior management and technical roles.
Key points
- Women comprise roughly 21 percent of South Africa's wind and solar workforce.
- Representation falls sharply to 12 percent in engineering and 14 percent in executive roles.
- Industry experts highlight the need for intentional career support and early STEM education.
The representation gap
South Africa's transition from coal to renewable energy has opened new professional avenues, yet women continue to face significant hurdles in reaching leadership positions. According to a #PowerTracker investigation by Oxpeckers and Explain News, women account for approximately 21 percent of the combined wind and solar workforce in the country.
Data from the Gender Diversity Guideline for the Renewable Energy Industry shows that this proportion declines sharply as roles become more senior. Female representation drops to 12 percent in engineering and technical positions, and to 14 percent in executive and senior-management roles.
Barriers to progression
Industry specialists interviewed by the investigation noted that while renewable energy provides a more level starting ground than the historically male-dominated coal sector, natural filtering processes and career interruptions hinder upward mobility. Nomfundo Mbijekana, head of asset management at SOLA Group, pointed out that women in technical roles still encounter persistent stereotypes regarding their capabilities.
Experts also highlighted the impact of family-related career breaks and the persistent lack of early science, technology, engineering and mathematics education for girls. Without intentional institutional support, mentoring and targeted exposure, bridging the leadership gap will remain difficult.
Changing ownership
Despite these obstacles, there are signs of gradual change in energy asset ownership. Younger black professionals, including women, are beginning to secure stakes in renewable projects, diversifying a landscape previously dominated by white males.
Hleziphi Siyothula-Mtshizane, founder of InPursuit Renewable Energy, emphasised the resilience required to operate as a female electrical engineer in a challenging market. Strengthening the talent pipeline from an early age remains essential for sustaining these gains across South Africa's evolving energy economy, where renewables formed 6.4 percent of electricity output in 2021, according to World Bank figures.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Renewables are the fastest-growing part of the world’s energy system. The COP28 goal is to triple capacity by 2030, and solar mini-grids are the fastest route to power for millions of people without electricity.
6.4% of electricity in South Africa was renewable in 2021Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
