Introduction: About Tenele

Please briefly tell us about yourself. Kindly expand on the general industry you are in and what your specific interest is within this industry.

I am a dedicated advocate for women and youth empowerment, blending my technical expertise with a passion for societal advancement. I hold a BSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cape Town and a Masters in Power Systems Management from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and serve as a System Control Engineer at Eswatini Electricity Company, ensuring reliable power supply for Eswatini.

I actively shape the energy sector through national and regional committees, contributing to electricity supply industry reforms and standards. I have also co-authored a book chapter on African power sector regulation.

My leadership extends to roles like IEEE PES Women in Power Chapter Representative for Southern Africa and participation in the World Energy Council’s Congress Future Energy Leaders 2024 cohort. I like to champion science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, encouraging youth entrepreneurship and careers in STEM.

I enjoy public speaking, addressing energy, socio-economic development, and empowerment, alongside health, wellness, and biblical principles. I am also a self-published children’s book author (Lulu na Luba™), promoting Indigenous languages and reading. Beyond my professional and advocacy work, I serve as a children’s church leader, interior designer, and an upcoming holistic health and wellness coach, driven by a desire to help others thrive.

What or who motivated you to go into this line of work?

My parents really formed the foundation of my goals – a desire to solve problems and to help others thrive. Going into engineering was mainly inspired by my mother who played a critical role in helping me select a degree to pursue after high school. I found that I enjoyed power systems and so decided to focus on that – which has led me to work in the energy sector as an engineer. I also have a certificate in compliance management (which is a leg of law and risk management) and that has also been an exciting element to explore.

Preparation & Experience

What level of educational experience do you think is needed to thrive in this field (e.g. undergraduate, postgraduate)? Or is professional, “real-life” experience more beneficial?

Undergraduate is a great place to start, whether it be a polytechnic or university. These afford you entry into the sector, wherein you can then diversify into the various elements of the field. One does not need to qualify in engineering to be part of the energy sector – the energy sector needs lawyers, accountants, IT etc. The technical jargon can be learned once you are in the field, and even then, the career pathways available to you once you’re in it are many.

What major concentrations/specialisations can one explore in your discipline? In your opinion, which specialisation is the most difficult to get into?

The energy industry is vast and complex, offering a wide array of specializations. The main ones include: Renewable Energy Engineering, Oil and Gas Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Energy Systems Analysis, Energy Efficiency and Sustainability, Power Systems (generation, transmission and distribution), Energy Policy etc.

In my opinion, Nuclear Engineering can be difficult to get into due to its need for highly specialized knowledge and rigorous training, and the fact that there aren’t many places offering it academically. Another one is Oil and Gas, mainly because it often involves challenging work conditions in remote locations – and this might be especially challenging for women.

What would you say are the biggest misconceptions about your line of work?

Working in power systems, I think a lot of the misconception is that maintaining electricity supply is easy or not incredibly complex. The energy sector has undergone major transformation, especially with increased and variable demand for electricity and the rise of other technologies directly impacting or relying on the electricity grid to operate (e.g. renewables). My role is not only technical but also requires economics and law (for power trading and purchasing), as well as data analysis and use of intricate software to truly manage the electricity grid.

In your opinion, what are the 3 most important qualities of someone in your field?

1. Strong Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

2. Adaptability and a Desire for Continuous Learning

3. Attention to Detail and a Commitment to Safety

Personal

What has been the most significant achievement in your career so far?

Interesting question. The growth in my expertise and understanding of the energy sector – including playing a pivotal role in the negotiation of critical power supply agreements for Eswatini – has been a significant achievement for me. Being selected by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy (MNRE) to be in the World Energy Council Congress Future Energy Leaders program is also a major achievement, as it afforded me the opportunity to attend the World Energy Congress in the Netherlands with the MNRE.

What drives you to wake up every morning to tackle the day ahead and make things happen?

I am driven by the desire to solve problems and to help others thrive and realise their full potential.

Looking Ahead

In your view, what does the future hold for your field in Eswatini?

The energy sector in Eswatini is facing significant changes, and this creates both challenges and opportunities. The major things ahead for Eswatini:

1. Renewable Energy Integration to diversify its energy sources. This will require serious electricity grid modernization, to more smart grid technologies to improve reliability and grid stability. This shift calls for more data analytics and automation on the grid and on the user end.

2. Increased Energy Access to meet the needs of rural and remote Eswatini, and to increase the use of electricity for productive use, which will stimulate the economy.

3. I also think the sector will become more open and diversified, in that there will be more opportunity for the private sector to participate in the field – and there will be increased youth-led solutions in the field.

What is your wish for young people in Eswatini

My wish for young people in Eswatini:

1. That they would realise that the solutions to the problems the country faces lie with them, and they must act and be active in the economy and in their communities. The world is changing rapidly, and young people need to be adaptable and innovative. I wish for them to develop a mindset of continuous learning and a willingness to embrace new technologies.

2. That they would embrace learning and gaining technical skills – do not shun technical vocations, because these provide a good basis for economic activity. Eswatini’s energy sector, and many other sectors, relies on a strong foundation in STEM. I wish for young people to pursue these fields with passion and dedication.

3. That they would develop their leadership skills early and hone their decision making skills – make the tough decisions that build discipline and character early on, so that adulthood is more structured and there is better opportunity for success. Lasting success chases those who are prepared, and what better time to learn good character than in your