NTCSA Leadership in Flux as Interim CEO Segomoco Scheppers Returns to Eskom

May 8, 2025

The National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) has announced that Interim CEO Segomoco Scheppers will conclude his secondment and return to Eskom Holdings after leading the transmission entity through its critical first 10 months of operation.

Leadership Transition at Critical Juncture

Scheppers, who was seconded to the NTCSA in July 2024 to lead its transition from Eskom's Transmission Division into a standalone subsidiary, is departing before a permanent replacement has been secured. Despite being shortlisted for the permanent position, the NTCSA Board has yet to identify a final candidate to lead the organization into its next phase of development.

The NTCSA was established as part of South Africa's electricity sector reforms, creating an independent transmission system that would facilitate a more competitive electricity market. This structural change represents one of the most significant transformations in the country's energy landscape since Eskom's establishment.

Search for Permanent Leadership Continues

According to the announcement, both the NTCSA and Eskom Holdings Boards are committed to expediting the executive search process. The statement indicates that a temporary replacement for Scheppers will be announced soon to maintain continuity in operations while the search for a permanent CEO continues.

This interim leadership will be responsible for several critical functions, including:

• Implementing the Transmission Development Plan (TDP)
• Continuing operational unbundling activities required by legislation
• Establishing a fair, competitive market for electricity

Scheppers' Legacy at NTCSA

NTCSA Board Chairperson Priscillah Mabelane acknowledged Scheppers' significant contribution, stating: "We owe Segomoco a huge debt of thanks for the skills he brought to bear to take the transmission business to a point of separation and creating the NTCSA as a wholly owned subsidiary of Eskom Holdings."

Scheppers joined Eskom in 1993 and brought extensive experience to the transmission division during his secondment. Under his interim leadership, the NTCSA has worked to establish itself as "an important catalyst in the country's evolving energy supply industry," according to Mabelane.

Outlook for NTCSA

The leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment for South Africa's energy sector. The NTCSA was established to implement key aspects of the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act (ERAA), which aims to reform the electricity sector by creating a competitive market structure.

The company faces significant challenges ahead, including managing the integration of increasing amounts of renewable energy into the grid, addressing transmission constraints that have historically limited electricity supply, and creating a level playing field for independent power producers.

With load shedding currently suspended but the power system still vulnerable to constraints, the stability and effectiveness of the transmission network remains crucial to South Africa's energy security. The appointment of a permanent CEO will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and consumers alike.

Key Terms Explained

NTCSA (National Transmission Company South Africa) - Eskom's transmission subsidiary that was established in July 2024 to operate independently from generation and distribution, allowing for a more competitive electricity market and easier integration of independent power producers.

Secondment - A temporary transfer of an employee to another department or organization, typically maintaining their employment relationship with their original employer.

Transmission Development Plan (TDP) - A strategic roadmap for expanding and strengthening South Africa's electricity transmission infrastructure to accommodate growing demand and new energy sources.

Electricity Regulation Amendment Act (ERAA) - Legislation that restructures South Africa's electricity sector to end Eskom's monopoly, create a competitive electricity market, and improve energy security.

Operational Unbundling - The process of separating Eskom's generation, transmission, and distribution businesses into distinct entities to create transparency, reduce conflicts of interest, and enable competition in the electricity sector.