The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) is set to experience some leadership changes following the resignation of its chair, Thembani Bukula, who concluded his term on 15 June.
Bukula, who served part-time while also holding the position of CEO at the energy trader PowerX, informed Moneyweb that he resigned to focus on his health.
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According to the office of Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Nersa deputy chair Ria Govender is set to assume the chair position, as mandated by the Nersa Act, until the role is officially filled.
This news emerges as Ramokgopa has begun the nomination process for the full-time roles of regulator member and CEO of Nersa.
Currently, the CEO position is held by Advocate Nomalanga Sithole, whose five-year term will end in August. This marks her first term, and regulator members may serve a second term if she is available and the minister chooses to reappoint her.
Bukula, a qualified engineer and former full-time regulator member for electricity, was appointed chair in 2022 and was nearing the end of his term.
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He chaired the nine-member Energy Regulator Board, responsible for overseeing the electricity, piped-gas, and petroleum pipelines sectors in South Africa.
Challenging time
Bukula’s tenure at Nersa commenced shortly after President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed the Energy Action Plan and lifted licensing requirements for private power generators.
This initiative propelled the growth of renewable energy and independent power producers, significantly reshaping the energy sector in South Africa.
It also heightened Nersa’s responsibilities, requiring it to oversee a growing number of generators and traders while establishing new regulations as the liberalization of the South African energy market accelerated.
Many decisions made by Nersa faced legal challenges and were frequently overturned during this demanding period, as resources were not sufficient to handle the increased workload.
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Hasha Tlhotlhalemaje, a former senior regulation manager at Eskom, described Bukula as a pillar of the industry whose absence will be greatly missed.
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“His wisdom and experience will be irreplaceable. We are saddened by his departure and wish him the best,” she stated.
Vally Padayachee, an industry expert and special advisor to the Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities (Ameu), noted his long-standing professional relationship with Bukula spanning several decades.
“Bukula is a competent, reliable, and ethical individual who expresses his views openly yet always behaves professionally,” Padayachee shared with Moneyweb.
“He was ideally suited for the role as the electricity market transitioned into a competitive environment.
“This demanding position requires balancing various interests, and it seemed he often lacked the necessary support as Nersa remained under-resourced,” he added.
“It is unfortunate to see him leaving Nersa, but we extend our gratitude and best wishes.”
