KEY POINTS
- Monde Bala confirmed as CEO of Eskom’s National Transmission Company South Africa after serving in interim role.
- Appointment underscores government’s push to unbundle Eskom and create a competitive electricity market.
- Bala tasked with driving investment in grid expansion through the Transmission Development Plan and integrating more renewable energy.
South Africa’s state power utility Eskom has appointed long-serving executive Monde Bala as the chief executive of its transmission subsidiary, the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), cementing his role after serving in an interim capacity for two months.
The decision follows a lengthy recruitment process at a time when Eskom is under pressure to stabilize the grid, expand transmission capacity, and deliver on reforms aimed at opening the country’s electricity market to greater competition.
NTCSA board chair Priscillah Mabelane said Bala’s appointment reflected the board’s confidence in his leadership. “He brings a wealth of experience and insight to the role, and we look forward to continuing our work with him and the executive team as we drive forward our strategic deliverables,” she said.
Bala, who joined Eskom nearly three decades ago, was previously group executive for distribution and has held senior positions across the utility’s operations. His appointment comes with the expectation that NTCSA will spearhead the creation of a fairer and more efficient electricity market, while ensuring reliable access to the grid.
Transmission Unit Seen as Anchor for Energy Transition
The NTCSA is central to South Africa’s long-term energy strategy. Established as part of Eskom’s operational unbundling, the entity will oversee the expansion of the transmission grid, attract private-sector investment, and facilitate the entry of new power producers.
Officials said Bala’s leadership will be critical in implementing the Transmission Development Plan, which lays out the investments needed to strengthen infrastructure, accommodate renewable projects, and meet growing demand. The plan is seen as a cornerstone in efforts to reduce blackouts and accelerate South Africa’s shift to cleaner energy.
“His appointment marks a significant milestone in accelerating the development of a more competitive and efficient electricity market that benefits all South Africans,” NTCSA said in a statement, adding that the company looked forward to Bala’s leadership in “shaping the future of South Africa’s energy landscape.”
Bala holds a BSc in electrical engineering from the University of Cape Town and a master’s degree in engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand.
