JUST SA KwaZulu-Natal - Sindi Shozi

In this episode of the TIPS Podcast series, host Thobani K speaks with Sindi Shozi, Chief Engineer for Advanced Metering Infrastructure at the eThekwini Municipality, about the practical role that technology, infrastructure planning, and energy management can play in advancing a Just Energy Transition. Shozi explains how her work focuses on strategic planning, smart metering systems, energy data management, infrastructure performance, and stakeholder engagement. Drawing on her experience in both municipal government and Eskom, she reflects on how a Just Transition can be integrated into day-to-day decision-making through equitable access to technology, energy efficiency programmes, and sustainable infrastructure development. She highlights the importance of ensuring that low-income and historically underserved communities are not left behind as municipalities modernise their energy systems. The conversation also explores the importance of skills development and inclusion within the energy sector. Shozi discusses her involvement in mentoring programmes and professional networks that support women and young professionals, arguing that the transition must be socially inclusive as well as environmentally sustainable. The episode further examines key challenges facing municipalities, including energy security concerns, infrastructure constraints, revenue pressures arising from increased adoption of renewable energy technologies, and shortages of specialised skills in emerging fields such as battery storage, smart grids, and green hydrogen. At the same time, Shozi identifies significant opportunities linked to smart metering, renewable energy integration, climate finance, independent power procurement, and the growing role of municipalities in shaping South Africa’s energy future.