Municipal Forum
19 - 21 May 2026
CTICC, Cape Town, South AfricaBuilding Energy Security Through a Local Lens

Moderator:
Dominic Milazi, Senior Energy Specialist, The World Bank

Panellists:
• Silas Mulaudzi, Energy Expert: Electricity Distribution Industry (EDI), South African Local Government Association
• Senior representative, Nova Economics
• Tshegofatso Neeuwfan, Manager: Utility Innovation, The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP)
• Sicelo Xulu, Chairperson of the Board, South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI)

Identifying municipal distress indicators
Silas Mulaudzi, Energy Expert: Electricity Distribution Industry (EDI), South African Local Government Association

Municipal debt management and recovery strategies [KENYA]
Insights into Regional Initiatives to implement to address weaknesses in revenue management in municipalities
Winnie Kosgey, Project Lead: County Revitalisation Programme, United Nations

SALGA UPDATE: South Africa’s local government project to develop an IPP Project Preparation, Procurement and PPA manual
George Alex Thopil, Associate Professor and Consultant in Sustainable Energy Systems, University of Pretoria Enterprise

DISCUSSION: Closing the gaps and fast tracking your turnaround
Panellists
• Silas Mulaudzi, Energy Expert: Electricity Distribution Industry (EDI), South African Local Government Association
• Winnie Kosgey, Project Lead: County Revitalisation Programme, United Nations
• George Alex Thopil, Associate Professor and Consultant in Sustainable Energy Systems, University of Pretoria Enterprise
• Owen Witbooi, Deputy Director General: Municipal Financial Management, Gauteng Provincial Treasury*

Access to finance and innovative strategies for municipal electricity services
Ansuya Rungasamy, Head of Component: Power Sector Reform, GIZ

Exploring alternative revenue models in the electricity sector
Veer Ramnarain, Deputy Head of Electricity Unit (High Voltage Operations), eThekwini Municipality, Deputy President of SAIEE and Executive Council Member of AMEU

The Impact of off-grid migration on municipal finances
Hendrik Raedani, Divisional Head: Alternative & Renewable Energy Department, City of Ekurhuleni

Unpacking National Treasury Metro Trading Services Programme
Anthea Stephens, Climate & Sustainability Component Lead, Cities Support Programme at National Treasury of South Africa*

WAY FORWARD: Strategies to increase financial sustainability, resilience and revenue generation
This panel provides a way forward on the critical issues affecting the financial sustainability of the EDI sector.

Panellists
• Hendrik Raedani, Divisional Head: Alternative & Renewable Energy Department, City of Ekurhuleni
• Qhakazile Mathebula, Senior Manager: Project Management Office, City of Johannesburg
• Lomile Modiselle, Director: Energy and Electricity Technical, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
• Anthea Stephens, Climate & Sustainability Component Lead, Cities Support Programme at National Treasury of South Africa*
• Veer Ramnarain, Deputy Head of Electricity Unit (High Voltage Operations), eThekwini Municipality, Deputy President of SAIEE and Executive Council Member of AMEU

Tackling illegal connections and overcoming infrastructure constraints in municipalities
This workshop is designed to address two critical challenges facing municipalities: dealing with illegal electricity connections and overcoming infrastructure constraints. The workshop aims to develop actionable strategies to mitigate these issues, ensuring more efficient and sustainable electricity distribution within municipalities. The goal is to develop comprehensive strategies and practical solutions to mitigate illegal connections and improve the efficiency and sustainability of municipal electricity services.

Speakers:
• Zamokuhle Mbandlwa, Department of Public Administration and Management, Durban University of Technology*
• Prudence Madiba, General Manager - Research, Testing and Development, Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd
• Muzi Mkhize, Regulator Member: National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA)
• Refilwe (Mogale) Mokgosi, Area Chief Engineer, City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

Managing demand: Energy efficiency as a municipal imperative

This session will explore why energy efficiency is not just a good idea, but the best “technology” to manage demand and is a critical imperative for municipalities facing increasing energy demands and budget constraints. This session discusses a successful case study that empowers municipalities to implement effective energy efficiency programmes, ultimately leading to cost savings, environmental benefits, and enhanced community resilience.
• Understand the key drivers for municipal energy efficiency and identify practical and cost-effective energy efficiency measures applicable to municipal operations and infrastructure.
• Explore a successful case study of a municipal energy efficiency programme

Mpho Mahahle, Technical Advisor Energy Efficiency, South African-German Energy Programme

Unbundling of tariffs in the context of potential Eskom tariff hikes and impact on municipalities

This session aims to explore the implications of potential Eskom tariff hikes on municipalities, focusing on the unbundling of tariffs as a strategy to mitigate negative impacts. With Eskom’s proposed tariff increases, municipalities face significant challenges in maintaining financial stability while ensuring affordable and reliable electricity for their residents. The discussion will provide a comprehensive understanding of tariff structures, the benefits and challenges of unbundling, and practical steps municipalities can take to navigate this complex landscape.
• Understanding Eskom tariff structures and proposed hikes.
• Implications of proposed tariff increases the potential impact of tariff hikes on municipalities’ budgets and electricity costs for residents

Speakers:
• Onicah Rantwane, Chief Advisor Electricity Pricing, Eskom Holdings SOC
• Kay Walsh, Managing Director, Nova Economics

Reimagining Service Delivery in South Africa
This solutions-focused session will examine the state of South African service delivery, focusing on basic services in lowincome communities and informal settlements. Discussions will incorporate an asset-based community development approach to understand the magnitude and complexities of the service delivery landscape, encouraging perspectives and insights from communities, public and private sector, and funders.
Carly Wise, Energy Analyst, GreenCape

WORKSHOP: Developing strengthened governance structures
The workshop is designed to address the core elements necessary for effective municipal leadership. This includes a deep dive into governance, combating corruption and ensuring robust audit processes and implement AG’s recommendations. The goal of the workshop is to equip municipal leaders and officials with the knowledge and practical skills needed to foster transparency, accountability and sustainable development in their respective municipalities.
• Understanding effective governance necessary for today’s complex municipal landscape
• A deep dive combating corruption in municipalities

Facilitator: Rodney Moolman, Director, Moolmans Consultancy

Panellists:
• Alistair McMaster, Director: Sustainable Energy, Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury
• Dr. Sakhile Manyathi, Director: SCM Governance, Monitoring and Compliance at National Treasury of South Africa
• Sicelo Xulu, Chairperson of the Board, South African National Energy Development Institute
• Blessing Thokozani Mncube, Research, Development and Innovation Manager, uMngeni-uThukela Water
• Timothy Matlala, Public Sector Executive Head, Standard Bank