Eskom Announces Leadership Reshuffle: Agnes Mlambo to Head Distribution

15 July 2025

Eskom Announces Leadership Reshuffle: Agnes Mlambo to Head Distribution

Eskom has announced key leadership changes in its ongoing restructuring efforts, with Ms Agnes Mlambo set to become the acting Group Executive for Distribution from August 1, 2025. The appointment comes as current Distribution head Mr Monde Bala moves to the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) as Interim Chief Executive Officer.

New Leadership at Distribution Division

Ms Mlambo, who has been with Eskom for 17 years, brings significant experience to the role. She holds a master's degree in business administration and is a qualified Chartered Management Accountant, having joined the utility in 2008.

Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane emphasized the strategic importance of the appointment, stating that the utility is "singularly focused on ensuring we have the executive execution skills and capacity in place" to deliver a competitive marketplace that benefits both consumers and the South African economy.

Changes at NTCSA

Mr Monde Bala, who currently leads Eskom's Distribution division, will be seconded to the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) as Interim CEO. He will succeed Mr Segomoco Scheppers in this role, continuing the implementation of South Africa's unbundling strategy that has seen transmission separated as a distinct entity from Eskom's generation and distribution businesses.

Outlook

These leadership changes come at a critical time for Eskom, as the utility continues its structural transformation while maintaining grid stability. The appointment of Ms Mlambo represents continued progress in Eskom's unbundling process, which has been a key component of the utility's recovery plan.

The NTCSA, which began operations in July 2024, has been operational for a year, and this leadership transition suggests the company is moving into its next phase of development. These executive movements align with Eskom's stated goal of creating separate, well-functioning entities within the energy sector.

Key Terms Explained

NTCSA (National Transmission Company South Africa): The state-owned enterprise created when Eskom's transmission division was legally separated from the main utility in 2023. It operates South Africa's high-voltage power transmission network and is responsible for moving electricity from power plants to distribution networks.

Distribution Division: The part of Eskom responsible for delivering electricity from the transmission network to homes and businesses across South Africa. It manages the infrastructure that brings power directly to customers, including substations and the local power lines you see in neighborhoods.

Unbundling: The process of splitting Eskom into three separate entities (generation, transmission, and distribution) to improve efficiency and accountability. This restructuring is one of the key reforms aimed at resolving South Africa's energy crisis.