Qhakazile Mathebula | General Manager, Digital Energy
City Power

Qhakazile Charlotte Mathebula is a dynamic and seasoned General Manager: Digital Energy with over 22 years of experience spanning South Africa’s steel manufacturing, rail transportation, and energy sectors.  She currently leads strategic infrastructure programs at City Power Johannesburg, one of the country’s largest municipal electricity utilities, where she oversees a diverse portfolio that includes solar energy, battery storage, substation automation, public lighting, and grid expansion. A driving force in smart energy innovation, Qhakazile spearheads the integration of Digital Twins, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to modernize the grid and accelerate City Power’s digital transformation agenda. Her work supports significant carbon emissions reduction and is deeply aligned with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, ensuring both long-term sustainability and operational resilience. She holds a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering and a Bachelor of Technology in Business Administration, a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and soon to be a Risk Management Professional (RMP).  Qhakazile has also completed advanced training in Energy Studies through the University of Johannesburg and the University of the Witwatersrand. Recognized for her leadership in renewable energy integration, Qhakazile has played a pivotal role in enabling alternative energy adoption across municipal infrastructure.  She has successfully led cross-functional teams of over 125 professionals, consistently delivering high-impact results across complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Qhakazile is currently pursuing an Executive MBA at IE Business School in Spain, with a focus on Board Readiness and Digital Innovation.  Her long-term mission is to drive inclusive, technology-enabled energy access across Africa and dismantle the barriers that hinder women’s advancement in engineering and leadership. She serves on several advisory boards, where she brings her expertise in energy strategy, infrastructure resilience, and gender equity.  A passionate mentor to young professionals and women in STEM, she is deeply committed to developing the next generation of leaders in the energy and project management sectors. Known for her integrity, strategic foresight, and inclusive leadership style, Qhakazile is dedicated to building a smarter, more sustainable, and equitable energy future—both in South Africa and across the continent.