Pioneering Palma is City Power’s youngest chief engineer
She spearheads projects that harness the power of solar energy.
Palma Maluleke (29), a trailblazing chief engineer at City Power, is slowly emerging as a beacon of innovation and leadership in sustainable energy.
As the head of solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage systems, Maluleke’s journey marks her commitment to driving renewable energy solutions and her determination to shatter glass ceilings in the male-dominated engineering landscape.
Hailing from Limpopo’s Gumbani Village, just outside Malamulele, Maluleke’s journey to becoming an engineering luminary began with a solid foundation.
After matriculating in her hometown, she studied at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), earning her national diploma in electrical engineering. During this formative period, City Power recognised her potential and provided a scholarship that paved the way for her to contribute to the entity’s transformative endeavours.
Determination and a thirst for knowledge characterised Maluleke’s trajectory within City Power. As she honed her skills through in-service training across various departments, she grasped the intricacies of the entity’s operations.
This journey led her to the energy department in 2017, where she found her calling.
She studied further at the University of Johannesburg, again supported by City Power. This pursuit culminated in a B-Tech degree and an honours degree in energy studies, solidifying her expertise in sustainable energy.
New horizons
Under Maluleke’s leadership, City Power forged a path to mitigate the energy crisis that plagues the nation. With steadfast resolve, she spearheaded projects that harnessed the power of solar energy, as evident in the upcoming installation of roof solar panels across city-owned buildings.
She said the initiative addressed load-shedding, underscoring her commitment to offering alternative, sustainable energy solutions.
“We are at an advanced stage of implementation,” she noted.
Maluleke‘s influence transcends her entity’s boundaries. She engaged in industry dialogues, including the Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities (AMEU) convention, where City Power showcased its commitment to the Just Energy Transition.
She also shared insights at the Solar Power Africa Conference about the regulatory landscape in energy storage in collaboration with the South African Energy Storage Association.
Last month, Maluleke participated in a gathering of nearly 70 women working in the energy sector, bridging the public and private spheres. This networking event laid the groundwork for discussions on new initiatives and strategies to empower women in this male-dominated domain.
“The event provided a platform for women to expand their professional networks, share knowledge, and build the relationships and partnerships necessary to advance in this male-dominated sector,” she explained.
As Women’s Month ends in SA, Maluleke’s contribution to her field should inspire women wanting to climb the ladder in the energy sector.
Her thirst for knowledge is unquenched. Pursuing a master’s degree in energy at the University of Johannesburg, she is at an impressive 60% completion rate, a testament to her personal and professional growth.
