2023 REIPPPP Learning Event: Key Note Speakers
Announcing our Key Note Speakers for this year’s REIPPPP Learning Event
We are so excited to announce our esteemed key note speakers for this event.
Director, Office of Economic Impact and Diversity, and Secretarial Advisor on Equity, U.S. Department of Energy
We are deeply honored to have these amazing contributors to this event, and know they will allow each attendee to leave empowered and inspired! Read more about them below.
Nomfundo Mogapi
CEO, Centre for Mental Wellness and Leadership (CMWL)
Nomfundo Mogapi, a seasoned facilitator, currently a Chief Executive Officer and Founder at the Centre for Mental Wellness and Leadership (CMWL). With a rich background as a clinical psychologist and over two decades of experience in the mental health and wellness sector, Nomfundo stands as a beacon of expertise in her field.
Her areas of expertise encompass the integration of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and trauma expertise into policy and programming across leadership, transitional justice, peacebuilding, governance, development, and democracy. As an adept facilitator, trainer, and public speaker, Nomfundo has tirelessly advocated for addressing woundedness and nurturing resilience within leaders, collectives, and institutions.
Nomfundo Mogapi’s impactful journey has seen her collaborate with leaders from diverse spheres, ranging from esteemed Government officials to influential figures in Non-Governmental Organizations and development agencies. Through her dedication and expertise, she continues to make significant strides in elevating mental wellness, empowering leaders, and fostering a society that prioritises the well-being and resilience of its individuals and communities.
Celiwe Mabaso
SAWEA ED WG CHAIRPERSON, JOINT SAWEA/SAPVIA ED WORKING GROUP
Celiwe Mabaso is an accomplished Senior Social Performance Manager at BTE Renewables and a SAWEA ED working Group chairperson. Drawing from a Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability background, Celiwe leads the strategic design and implementation of Social Impact programs, focusing on South Africa. Her notable career highlights include being recognised as a SAWEA 2022 Rising Star and featured in Mail and Guardian’s 200 Young Leaders in Politics and Government for 2021. Furthermore, Celiwe’s expertise extends to communications, stakeholder management, and community development through Corporate Social Investment (CSI), underpinned by a deep understanding of legislative requirements such as Economic Development and BBBEE within the industries she has served. With a proven track record of excellence and commitment, she continues to make a meaningful difference in the renewables and electronic manufacturing industry.
Sinazo Nkwelo
innovation director, dg Murray trust
Sinazo Nkwelo is an accomplished professional with a background in development economics and a strong commitment to social impact. She currently serves as the Innovation Director at the DG Murray Trust, where she leads a portfolio focused on place-based development. This portfolio is centered on building human development pathways in specific geographic areas, namely the Free State, Northern Cape, and Kwa Zulu Natal. The primary goal of her work is to create supportive pathways from early childhood to adulthood, with the aim of breaking the cycle of inter-generational poverty and enabling people in communities to realize their potential.
Before her role at the DG Murray Trust, Sinazo gained valuable experience in other sectors. She worked at an impact investment company, as a Principal: Post Investment Manager managing a portfolio of SMME investments and holding a board position on one of the funds under management. There she gained insights into fund and investment management as well as how business can serve as a catalyst for social change. Her background as a management consultant established her foundational skills, giving her a broad exposure to management problems across a variety of sectors and industries.
Sinazo Nkwelo is a recipient of the Commonwealth Scholarship and holds a Masters in Development Economics from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London. This academic background, combined with her professional experiences, has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in the field of development and social change.
Dzunani Makgopa
head of finance and acting head of economic development, ipp office
Dzunani is an established Finance professional with more than 10 years working alongside established finance teams across a wide variety of industries. Her career started in Auditing in one of the Big 4 Auditing firms, where after she’s held multiple senior Finance positions until her current role as Head of Finance corporate services and acting Head of Economic Development in the Independent Power Producer’s office.
Her current role entails driving the IPPO’s financial strategy in order to facilitate the role out of the IPP programme in accordance with the determinations issued under the IRP of 2019. In addition to her finance responsibilities, she currently looks after the HR, Facilities, Audit and Economic development divisions. The ED division particularly is close to her heart, as the unit is responsible for ensuring that The IPP Programme is designed not only to procure energy, but is also structured to contribute to the broader national development objectives of job creation, social upliftment and broadening of economic ownership.
Her passion is in utilising her skills to contribute to the broader needs of the country, particularly in areas of infrastructure development and service delivery.
She is a member of both SAICA and CIMA.
Shalanda Baker
Director, Office of Economic Impact and Diversity, and Secretarial Advisor on Equity, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Shalanda Baker holds the esteemed position of Senate-confirmed Director of the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity at the U.S. Department of Energy. In this vital role, she serves as an Advisor on Equity to the Secretary of Energy, embodying a commitment to fostering equitable outcomes within the energy sector. With an extensive academic background as a Professor of Law, Public Policy, and Urban Affairs at Northeastern University, Shalanda has dedicated over a decade to researching the equity dimensions of the global transition from fossil fuel to cleaner energy resources. She is the author of over a dozen articles, book chapters, and essays on renewable energy law, energy justice, energy policy, and renewable energy development.
She is the Co-Founder and former Co-Director of the Initiative for Energy Justice, an organisation committed to providing technical law and policy support to communities on the frontlines of climate change. Her groundbreaking book, “Revolutionary Power: An Activist’s Guide to the Energy Transition,” argues that energy policy is a frontier for advancing civil rights.
Secure your seat for this insightful event!
