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Eskom adds ‘trailblazer in renewable energy’ Khumoetsile Kotelo to help build its green energy business
Last year, South African state utility Eskom announced green energy plans, to diversify its coal-heavy energy mix and reduce emissions. It has now bolstered its legal capacity by bringing in Khumoetsile Kotelo as Head of Legal for Eskom Renewables,
The news that talented South African in-house counsel Khumoetsile Kotelo has now joined the Eskom Green project as Senior Manager - Head of Legal for Eskom Renewables has been widely celebrated by colleagues new and old, and beyond.
Kotelo joins Eskom, South Africa’s state utility, from Yellow Door Energy, a leading sustainable energy company that provides solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) solutions for commercial and industrial customers in the Middle East and Africa. Eskom “hit the jackpot” in hiring Kotelo, who was “an absolute pleasure to work”, said Forbes Padayachee, former CEO of Yellow Door Energy in South Africa.
Born and raised in Soweto, Kotelo is a law graduate of the University of the Witwatersrand who began her legal career as a candidate attorney then associate with ENSafrica in Johannesburg, before moving in-house in late 2017. While working as a Senior Legal Counsel at Absa Group then Yellow Door Energy, Kotelo completed a Master of Management at Wits Business School, focused on energy policy innovation and innovation in renewable energy supply firms in South Africa.
Rivoningo Mnisi, Group Executive for Eskom Renewables, welcomed Kotelo to the team, sharing news of her new role and noting he was looking forward to Kotelo’s contribution in helping to build Eskom Green. Ugeshree Thakurpersad, CEO at DevRani Consult, praised Kotelo’s leadership acumen, project management and negotiation skills, and her passion for economic development and transformation.
Yesterday, the Black Management Forum in Gauteng celebrated Kotelo as a “pioneering force in the energy sector”, and a shining example for young women of breaking glass ceilings through grit and talent. “As Head of Legal, she's not just breaking barriers; she's building bridges for the next generation of women in energy.”
The Black Management Forum praised Kotelo for her innovative mindset and driving legal excellence, governance, and strategic growth. “Her story's a testament to perseverance, passion, and purpose,“ said the forum, celebrating her achievements and acknowledging “her contribution to shaping the future of energy in South Africa”.