Johannesburg: The Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE) has announced the appointment of experienced power generation executive, Precious Mmabakwena Edward, as the new Head of the Independent Power Producers Office (IPPO). The appointment is effective from this month with Edward adding some 20 years of experience in the sector to the office.
According to South African Government News Agency, Edward currently serves as the Chief Executive of ENGIE Kathu Solar Facility, one of the first multibillion-rand Concentrated Solar Power projects successfully developed under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme. In this role, Edward oversaw the stabilisation of operations and delivered strong returns for shareholders, exemplifying the qualities of a servant leader by placing people at the centre of her leadership.
Edward has championed career development and skills growth for the workforce, created pathways for small businesses to participate in the energy value chain, and ensured that surrounding communities benefit through meaningful jobs, training, and enterprise opportunities. Her leadership reflects a commitment to shared prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainable development in the regions where the facility operates.
She also worked at Eskom where she served as Head of Fuel Sourcing, directing procurement strategies under tight governance controls and managing multi-billion-rand commercial and contractual frameworks as a Contracts Lead on the Medupi Power Station project. Ms. Edward holds a BTech in Electrical Engineering, a Master’s in Business Leadership, and an LLB degree, equipping her to navigate complex operational, financial, and governance challenges at the highest level.
The DEE explained that Edward’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the IPPO as it marks 15 years since its establishment. The department envisions transforming the IPPO into a more agile, efficient, and impactful institution that responds to modern energy challenges.
Under her leadership, the office will advance transformation and inclusivity by ensuring greater participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in the energy sector. It will also drive local manufacturing and industrialisation opportunities, aligned with the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan, maximise socio-economic development benefits in future procurement rounds, and introduce innovative procurement models to strengthen security of supply, affordability, and alignment with South Africa’s just energy transition priorities.
Ms. Edward is recognised for her principled, resilient, and values-driven leadership, having received numerous accolades throughout her career. Her appointment marks not only a change in leadership but also a renewal of purpose. For the past 15 years, the IPPO has been the engine room powering South Africa’s entry into large-scale renewable energy procurement. Under her stewardship, the IPPO aims to become a catalyst for transformation, industrialisation, and socio-economic inclusion.
Her appointment aligns with the department’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030, which includes achieving universal access to electricity by 2030, promoting industrialisation and localisation, driving a just energy transition with jobs and skills at the centre, and strengthening governance, efficiency, and accountability in energy procurement.
As the department advances its strategic priorities, Ms. Edward’s leadership will be instrumental in steering the IPPO towards becoming a symbol of national renewal. Her role will connect the lessons of the past to the opportunities of the future, ensuring that secure, affordable, and transformative energy continues to power South Africa’s development.