The prestigious event was opened by BBC President Elias Monage, who welcomed guests and set a celebratory tone as he highlighted the importance of government working hand-in-hand with black leaders and recognising the impactful work they continue to deliver within South Africa’s most critical institutions, noting that “when government, industry and black leadership pull in the same direction, the results speak for themselves — tonight we honour leadership that is not only competent, but transformational, and whose contribution to our country must never be overlooked.” The event, hosted by renowned broadcaster Clement Manyatela, featured Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa as keynote speaker, who applauded Eskom’s leadership for restoring stability to the national energy system and for contributing meaningfully to South Africa’s economic recovery and long-term development strategy, noting that the recent progress achieved at Eskom stands as a powerful example of disciplined, accountable and purpose-driven leadership.
The evening honoured Chairman Mteto Nyati, Group Chief Executive Officer Dan Marokane and Group Executive for Generation Bheki Nxumalo, each recognised for their central roles in driving operational recovery, strengthening governance, restoring public confidence and setting Eskom on a sustainable path forward. Their leadership has underpinned major milestones, including the dramatic reduction of load-shedding to just 26 hours between 1 April and 11 September 2025 and the achievement of Eskom’s first full-year profit in eight years, an estimated R16 billion for the financial year ending March 2025, outcomes made possible through improved plant performance, reduced unplanned outages, heightened accountability and a renewed organisational culture focused on excellence.
Reflecting on their journeys, the leaders each shared personal insights: Mr Nyati emphasised that “leadership begins with strong governance and a unity of purpose,” that “restoring public trust in SOEs is both a duty and a privilege,” and that “Eskom’s turnaround is the result of principled leadership at every level”; Mr Marokane highlighted that “the Generation Recovery Plan demanded disciplined operational change,” that “reliable electricity is the backbone of a thriving economy,” and that “true leadership emerges when teams deliver under immense pressure”; while Bheki Nxumalo noted that “plant reliability improved because our people believed change was possible,” that “culture matters because valued teams perform,” and that “Eskom’s progress reflects the collective hard work of every employee.”
Guma Group Chairman Robert Gumede praised the leadership and workforce of Eskom, expressing that the country and broader SADC region are fortunate to have “hands-on, visionary leadership supported by thousands of dedicated employees who have quietly led the country from darkness into light, achieving a turnaround in just two years using home-grown talent and capability,” and affirming that the three honourees are fully deserving of recognition as Afro-Achievers of 2025.