Zandi Nkone Kelem | CEO
Kathu Solar Park

Zandi Nkone Kelem, CEO, Kathu Solar Park

Zandi is a distinguished Chartered Accountant and is currently enhancing her academic credentials by pursuing an LLB Degree at UNISA. She presently holds the position of Chief Executive Officer at Kathu Solar Park (RF) Pty Ltd, an ENGIE subsidiary. The company operates a 100 MW Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plant. Prior to her current role, Zandi served as the Chief Financial Officer at Karoshoek Solar One (RF) Pty Ltd, where she played a pivotal role in managing and constructing a 100 MW CSP project over a period of 48 months, now in the operational phase. After completing her articles with Nedbank Limited, Zandi gained substantial experience across various divisions of the bank. Her journey at Nedbank included a stint in the London Office and significant roles in Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking, with a focus mainly on Infrastructure, Energy, and Telecommunications sectors. During her tenure as CFO at Karoshoek Solar One from September 2016 to August 2023, Zandi was the Head of Finance for the renewable energy company, a consortium involving IDC, PIC, COBRA, Emvelo, and HCI. Her responsibilities extended to managing daily financing activities, monthly reporting to the board of directors, and liaising with lenders such as banks, investment companies, and DFIs. She also interacted extensively with various advisors, including Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC), Legal Advisors, Insurance Advisors, and Auditors.

Appearances:



Day 1 @ 16:20

Interview Inside the numbers: CFO insights on solar payback periods and financing models

                        

Day 2 @ 09:50

Keynote panel The utility shift: building bankable, scalable solar for South Africa’s grid

                          

Day 2 @ 14:10

Interview Investor diaries: lessons from funding a 100MW solar farm

                                              

last published: 19/Feb/26 07:55 GMT

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