Access to electricity is a basic need. Electrification in Africa is low and remains one of the key barriers to economic growth and social transformation. Because of the abundance of natural energy sources, renewable energy must place a key role in the energy mix. I would simply say, keep doing what you are doing. I am happy with where I am today and the journey – the good and the bad parts – has inadvertently lead me here. While there have been some small victories in moving towards a more gender balanced society – I think we have a long way to go. In the past year, alone we have had a number of highly publicised femicides, #MeToo and recently a highly insensitive and prejudicial article against female engineers.
Why did you choose the renewable energy sector as your career path?
Fundamentally it is about seeing the value in what I am doing and the impact not just on the Aurora Wind Power business, but also on the wider society and environment. Renewable energy is a strategic imperative at the highest level of government and through our inherent construct, renewable independent power producers are well positioned to make a contribution, even if small, to the steady economic transformation of this country. Aside from the fact that we have an abundance of natural resources, why do you think renewable energy is important to Africa? What is the one thing you would tell your younger self? What is your Women's Month message?
So my message is: Be uncompromising, unwavering and unapologetic in this pursuit for gender equality.
Casey Mantle,Dashni Vilakazi,Jolene Roelofse & Sanesh Maharaj 10 hours
Adelaide Tshabalala 9 hours
