Palma Maluleke, a trailblazing 29-year-old chief engineer at City Power, is slowly emerging as a beacon of innovation and leadership in sustainable energy. As the head of solar PV and battery storage systems, Maluleke’s journey is marked by her steadfast commitment to driving renewable energy solutions and her determination to shatter glass ceilings in the male-dominated engineering landscape.
Hailing from the tranquil environs of Limpopo’s Gumbani Village, just outside Malamulele, Maluleke’s journey to becoming an engineering luminary began with a solid foundation.
After completing her matriculation in her hometown, she embarked on a path of academic excellence at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), where she earned her National Diploma in Electrical Engineering.
It was during this formative period that City Power recognised her potential and provided a scholarship that paved the way for her to contribute to the entity’s transformative endeavours.
Maluleke’s trajectory within City Power has been characterised by unwavering determination and a thirst for knowledge. As she honed her skills through immersive in-service training across various departments, she leveraged every opportunity to grasp the intricacies of the entity’s operations.
This journey led her to the energy department in 2017, where she found her true calling.
Her pursuit of academic excellence continued with vigour as she undertook further studies at the University of Johannesburg, again supported by City Power. This pursuit culminated in the attainment of a B-Tech degree and an honours degree in energy studies, solidifying her expertise in the realm of sustainable energy.
Under Maluleke’s visionary leadership, City Power has forged a path toward mitigating the energy crisis that plagues the nation and the City.
With a steadfast resolve, she spearheads projects that harness the power of solar energy, as evident in the forthcoming installation of roof solar panels across City-owned buildings.
She says the initiative seeks to address the persistent challenge of rolling blackouts caused by load shedding, underscoring her commitment to offering alternative and sustainable energy solutions.
“We are at an advanced stage of implementation.”
Maluleke’s influence transcends her entity’s boundaries. She has actively engaged in industry dialogues, including the AMEU convention, where City Power showcased its commitment to the Just Energy Transition.
She also shared insights at the Solar Power Africa Conference, shedding light on the regulatory landscape surrounding energy storage in collaboration with the South African Energy Storage Association.
As a testament to her dedication, Maluleke recently participated in a landmark gathering of nearly 70 women working in the energy sector, bridging the public and private spheres. This networking event, which took place in July, laid the groundwork for discussions on new initiatives and strategies to empower women in this traditionally male-dominated domain.
“The event provided a platform for women to expand their professional networks, share knowledge, and build the relationships and partnerships necessary to advance in this male dominated sector,” she explains.
As Women’s Month ends in South Africa, Maluleke’s presence and contribution to her field stand as an inspiration to women aspiring to ascend in the energy sector.
Her thirst for knowledge remains unquenched. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in energy at the University of Johannesburg, she stands at an impressive 60% completion rate, a testament to her unyielding commitment to personal and professional growth.
Written by Luyanda Lunika
28/08/2023