KEY POINTS
- Nersa Chair Thembani Bukula has resigned from his position to focus on his health, ending his tenure on June 15, 2026.
- Deputy Chair Ria Govender will serve as acting chair while the government begins the process of appointing a replacement.
- Industry stakeholders have praised Bukula’s leadership, describing him as an experienced and ethical regulator who guided Nersa through major energy sector reforms.
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) is set for a leadership transition following the resignation of its chairperson, Thembani Bukula, who officially left office on June 15, 2026.
Bukula confirmed that his decision to step down was motivated by health concerns, saying he intends to focus on his well-being after years of service in South Africa’s energy sector.
His departure marks the end of a significant period in Nersa’s history, during which the regulator faced sweeping changes in the country’s electricity market and increasing pressure to adapt to a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Following Bukula’s resignation, South Africa’s Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, announced that Nersa Deputy Chairperson Ria Govender will assume the role of acting chairperson in accordance with the provisions of the Nersa Act.
The ministry also confirmed that the process of filling key leadership positions at the regulator is underway.
Ramokgopa has called for nominations for the position of full-time regulator member and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nersa.
The current CEO, Advocate Nomalanga Sithole, is nearing the end of her five-year term in August 2026. Although her first term is expiring, regulations allow her to serve a second term if she is willing and if the minister chooses to reappoint her.
Bukula’s Tenure Coincided With Major Energy Reforms
Bukula, a qualified engineer and former full-time electricity regulator member, was appointed chairperson of Nersa in 2022. He served in the role while simultaneously acting as CEO of energy trading company PowerX, as the chairmanship position was a part-time appointment.
As chair, he led Nersa’s nine-member Energy Regulator Board, which oversees and regulates South Africa’s electricity, piped-gas and petroleum pipeline industries.
His tenure began during a transformative period for South Africa’s energy sector. Shortly after his appointment, President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled the Energy Action Plan and removed licensing restrictions for private power generation projects.
These reforms accelerated investment in renewable energy and independent power producers, significantly reshaping the country’s electricity market.
The rapid liberalisation of the energy sector brought new challenges for Nersa.
The regulator found itself responsible for overseeing a growing number of electricity generators and energy traders while simultaneously developing new regulations to govern the expanding market.
Despite these added responsibilities, Nersa’s resources reportedly did not increase proportionately, resulting in operational pressures and growing scrutiny of its decisions.
