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 bringing some 20 years of experience in the sector to the office.
The new Head of the IPPO, Precious Mmabakwena Edward, brings with her some 20 years of experience in the energy sector.
She currently serves as the Chief Executive of ENGIE’s Kathu Solar Facility, one of the first multibillion-rand concentrated solar power [CSP] projects successfully developed under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme [REIPPPP].
The DEE notes in the statement issued that in this role, Edward oversaw the stabilisation of operations and delivered strong returns for shareholders. “She exemplified the qualities of a servant leader, placing people at the centre of her leadership,” the statement reads.
“She 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 deep commitment to shared prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainable development in the region where the facility operates,” the DEE says.
Edward also previously worked at Eskom where she served as Head of Fuel Sourcing. She directed procurement strategies under tight governance controls and, as a Contracts Lead on the Medupi Power Station project, she managed multibillion-rand commercial and contractual frameworks.
She holds a BTech in Electrical Engineering, a Master’s Degree in Business Leadership (MBL) and an LLB [Bachelor of Law] Degree. This combination of technical, business, and legal expertise equips her to navigate complex operational, financial, and governance challenges at the highest level, the statement reads.
Transforming the IPPO
Edward’s appointment comes as the IPPO marks 15 years since it was established and as it looks forward – aiming to become a more agile, efficient, and impactful institution that responds to modern energy challenges, the statement says.
Furthermore, the DEE intends that under her leadership, the IPP Office will:
- Advance transformation and inclusivity by ensuring greater participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in the energy sector
- Drive local manufacturing and industrialisation opportunities aligned with the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM)
- Maximise socio-economic development benefits in future procurement rounds
- Introduce innovative procurement models that strengthen security of supply, affordability, and alignment with South Africa’s just energy transition priorities.
“Ms Edward is well recognised for her principled, resilient, and values-driven leadership, having received numerous accolades throughout her career. Her appointment marks more than a change in leadership, it is 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. Today, under her stewardship, we turn the page to a new chapter: one where the IPPO becomes more than a procurement office – a catalyst for transformation, industrialisation, and socio-economic inclusion,” the DEE states.
Her appointment is in line with the department’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030 which advances specific priorities including:
- Achieving universal access to electricity by 2030
- Promoting industrialisation and localisation
- Driving a just energy transition with jobs and skills at the centre
- 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 from being a pioneering institution into becoming a symbol of national renewal. In her role she 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,” the DEE states.
For more information visit: www.sanews.gov.za
