The Chief Executive Officer of City Power, Tshifularo Mashava, delivered an inspiring address at the City Power 2025 Schools’ Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management competition. The event, held on Wednesday, not only celebrated the innovative spirit of young minds but also marked the launch of the Energy Performance Certificate for municipal buildings in the City of Johannesburg.
From humble beginnings to the top
Mashava, who hails from the rural Vhembe district in Limpopo, shared her personal journey from childhood to leading one of South Africa’s most forward-thinking energy entities. “I’m a child of Africa, I’m a child of the village,” she began, reflecting on her educational experiences at a science school where she was encouraged to dream big. Her journey serves as a testament to the impact of opportunity and mentorship for young South Africans.
“We can give you those bursaries, you can go study and you can end up being wherever you need to be,” Mashava recalled, her words resonating in the hall filled with eager students from across Gauteng unveiling their original projects.
Empowerment for all
In her address, Mashava highlighted the challenges faced by women in South Africa and globally within the corporate landscape, where their abilities are often overlooked. She underscored the importance of inclusive opportunities, particularly for young girls, stating, “It’s not only the young boys that are in the room but a whole lot of young girls… So to the girls, I say, you know, we celebrate you.” This empowering message was met with applause, reinforcing her commitment to nurturing future female leaders in the energy sector.
Breaking barriers and redefining futures
With many participating schools coming from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, Mashava commended the top performers, including Sgodiphola Secondary School from Extension 6, Cosmo City, emphasising that backgrounds shouldn’t determine success. “You have all demonstrated great skills and talent,” she said, urging learners to rise above their circumstances. “All it takes is the mindset that says I can be whoever I want to be.”
A journey towards sustainable energy
City Power is currently on a path to becoming a fully-fledged energy company, aiming to generate a sustainable energy mix to meet the growing needs of Johannesburg’s residents and beyond. The initiative includes a commitment to electrify the poorest areas of Gauteng, as appointed by the provincial government. Mashava encouraged young attendees, stating that the growth of City Power will require skilled talents, and now is the time to prepare for future opportunities.
“We also hope that one of you sitting here today will be the CEO of City Power in a few years’ time,” she inspired, instilling ambition in her audience. “You all put in the effort, and each and every one of you won.”