Lerato Kgalema, who was recently appointed General Manager: Grid Access at City Power, aims to be the bearer of light in the age of loadshedding as the City embarks on procuring more electricity from independent power producers. Kgalema started from the bottom as a systems network controller when she joined City Power 19 years ago, following a stint with Eskom.
Now she has the unenviable task of leading a team of adept problem-solvers within City Power, charged with the formidable task of ensuring Johannesburg ratepayers are spared at least two stages of loadshedding. She plans to do this by deploying an array of resourceful management tools to tackle the prevailing energy crisis.
Based at City Power’s Reuven Headquarters near Turffontein, Kgalema says there were fewer women when she joined the municipal electricity distribution entity almost two decades ago.
“There were only three ladies when I joined the control room all those years ago. By the time I was promoted to being the general manager for Alexandra, five more ladies were part of the team. My time at Eskom early in my career also showed me that given the right support and mentorship, anyone can flourish and reach their potential,” she explains.
The KwaThema, Ekurhuleni-born Kgalema, boasts an impressive portfolio of engineering diplomas and BTech Degrees from the Peninsula Technikon in the Western Cape and the Davinci Institute, complemented by a BEng Honors Degree from the University of Pretoria.
Her credentials also include esteemed management certificates from the University of Witwatersrand (Wits).
“I have been surrounded and inspired by strong people in my life. My parents are my pillars. During my formative years, they served as counsellors and elders in the neighbourhood. People used to drop by for consultations and advice.
“My grandmother was also my hero growing up. She raised her family single-handedly through entrepreneurship, selling goods, and ensuring that the household was looked after,” says Kgalema.
When she joined Eskom, she was one of two women in her team, and Afrikaans was the only language spoken.
“When I joined Eskom as a technician in 2000, it was a predominantly white and male environment. I understood Afrikaans; the difficulty was answering back, so I would respond in English. Safety was key, so my supervisors ensured that I understood what was required of me. It was tough, and I had to adjust.”
Kgalema attributes her meteoric rise through the ranks to the collective guidance of past and present CEOs of both Eskom and City Power.
She cites the influence of pioneering figures such as Thulani Gcabashe, the first Black CEO of Eskom; Jacob Maroga, Sicelo Xulu, Lerato Setshedi, Silas Zimu, Mogwailane Mohlala, and the incumbent CEO of City Power, Tshifularo Mashava. These visionary leaders have consistently championed women’s empowerment.
“Isaac Rampedi was my most recent director, who also supported me and took me through the ranks. I used to call Louis Pieterse, the former City Power Director of Engineering, Bob the Builder because he made sure he built you. Now more Black women are moving into management ranks within City Power,” Kgalema says.
When she’s not devising strategies to encourage consumers to use electricity sparingly and facilitating collaboration with independent power producers to channel their excess energy to the municipal grid, Kgalema dedicates cherished moments to her children, Lehutjo, Theresho, and Ruri.
She also finds solace in immersing herself in Lutheran church fellowship.