By Noko Mashilo
Zukiswa Silinga embarked on her journey into renewable energy after attending a solar renewable energy conference for small businesses. The event’s keynote speaker, Linda Mabhena-Olanunju, ignited a passion in her for renewable energy that Silinga had never experienced. However, her visit to the Rustmo1 solar farm in Rustenburg in the North West was the true turning point. She witnessed first-hand the transformative power of clean energy.
At the time, Silinga had no experience in solar energy, but she quickly recognised the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Today, she is a champion of sustainable solutions, empowering others and contributing to a greener future – a mission inspired by that pivotal conference and plant visit.
Silinga told Vutivi News that her passion for solar energy was further cemented by an initiative at her former employer, where she worked as a quality manager. “It was during the load-shedding crisis,” she explained, referring to the company’s transition to solar energy. Now, Silinga is the proud owner of Orivision, a company specialising in project management for solar energy solutions from inception to completion.
Orivision provides sustainable energy solutions for both small and large businesses, offers energy access to underserved communities and creates jobs through financed projects aimed at uplifting disadvantaged areas. Born in Port Elizabeth 40 years ago, Silinga now resides in East London. She still frequently travels from the Eastern Cape to Gauteng to attend industry conferences. “I still do this,” she shared. “I recently attended the Women in Energy Conference hosted by Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, in Bryanston, Johannesburg.”
During the conference, Silinga and other women energy entrepreneurs voiced their frustrations as small business owners. She told the minister that while government and private sector initiatives have been instrumental in raising awareness, start-ups like hers still faced a multitude of challenges. “I’ve knocked on many doors with little success. Sometimes, it feels like more of an initiative driven by SMMEs themselves than actual support from the government,” she said.
Silinga further emphasised that for those who were unaware of government-hosted conferences, breaking into the renewable energy sector could be extremely difficult due to a lack of networks and understanding processes. “For them, entering renewable energy will remain a distant dream. I was fortunate to push myself to attend multiple conferences,” she added.
Silinga is advocating for the government to expand its incubator programmes as she believes they are critical for skills development and business compliance. The businesswoman is now preparing to collaborate with independent power producers and well-established solar energy businesses locally and abroad to give back to her home province of Eastern Cape. In the next five years, Silinga aims to be actively involved in the development, management and operation of solar energy plants.
