Dr Malefane Sekoboto, who holds a PhD in management of technology and innovation, was recently reappointed to lead the Bloemfontein-based distributor. His renewed mandate comes as Centlec grapples with persistent power outages, ageing infrastructure, cable theft, and controversy over its recently introduced monthly electricity surcharge.

Creating employment opportunities for young people will be among his main priorities, particularly in the information and communications technology sector, Sekoboto told OFM News. The commitment comes as the Free State records an unemployment rate of 37.8%, the second highest among South Africa’s provinces.

‘Centlec generates about R4bn in revenue’

Centlec needs more than new equipment to improve employee development and service delivery, said Sekoboto. Strategic change also requires different ways of working and greater investment in young people with the skills needed to modernise the utility.

Centlec generates about R4bn in revenue, controls assets worth approximately R11bn, and employs more than 800 people. The utility serves nearly 196,000 customers, including about 41,000 indigent households registered and approved by the council. 

Its electricity network includes about 125km of high-voltage lines, 102km of 33kV overhead lines, 97km of underground 33kV cables, 45 distribution centres, and 1,175 substations.

Investing in employees is as important as investing in technology, said Sekoboto. Centlec has already started developing digital solutions through young programmers recruited to create internal systems and improve customer service. “Technology is our tool, but our people are the architects.” 

The utility recently developed several in-house digital systems, including the KgaApp, meaning “Keep the Lights On”. The platform incorporates Batho Pele principles by allowing customers to log electricity faults and communicate service delivery problems more efficiently.

Five young programmers recruited by Centlec have helped develop internal platforms, including a new human resources module. Their work and other initiatives have already saved the utility more than R30m, said Sekoboto.

Centlec is also implementing a human capital strategy to equip employees to manage conventional electricity infrastructure and emerging digital technologies. It includes structured knowledge transfer and targeted training to prepare workers for changes in the energy sector.

Skills development produced measurable results during his first term, with about 40 employees sent to the Central University of Technology to study renewable energy. The utility will establish a renewable energy office to develop and integrate hybrid energy solutions for Mangaung residents as Centlec expands beyond traditional electricity distribution.

“We are not merely keeping the lights on. We are powering a more resilient Mangaung by embracing innovation and thinking differently about our infrastructure.”  

Innovation, investment in employees, and renewable energy initiatives will help Centlec improve electricity reliability while supporting economic growth and job creation across Mangaung.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

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