On August 16, 2024, the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Department of Geography, Environmental Management & Energy Studies, hosted an Energy Technology Seminar, which featured a special segment dedicated to promoting gender diversity within the energy sector. The South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), a project partner in the SOLTRAIN+ initiative, was invited to present on gender and diversity in the sector, with a particular focus aligned to SOLTRAIN Work Package 5: Gender and Diversity.
The seminar's audience included postgraduate students, lecturers, engineers, scientists, and energy professionals. SANEDI’s presentation was delivered by Mr. Bhekani Ntuli, a Project Officer at SANEDI and Gender Manager for SOLTRAIN, who provided insights into the organisation’s legislative mandate and various initiatives, followed by a special focus on SOLTRAIN+ and it’s initiatives in supporting gender equality across the solar thermal technology sector.
Mr. Ntuli's presentation focused on WP5 of the SOLTRAIN+ project, which addresses gender and diversity in the Renewable Heating and Cooling (RHC) sector. The session provided an overview of WP5's goals, including increasing women's participation in the RHC industry. It also highlighted various opportunities available to women through SOLTRAIN+, such as capacity-building workshops, bursaries for female postgraduate students, and strategic partnerships aimed at amplifying the impact of WP5 on gender diversity.
The audience responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, with many students expressing a strong interest in the training opportunities offered by SOLTRAIN+, particularly those that could enhance their skills and knowledge in the RHC sector. The event effectively raised awareness about the technology of RHC and also the importance of gender diversity, inspiring female students to consider careers in this rapidly developing field.
SANEDI's participation in the UJ seminar not only demonstrated the organisation’s commitment to promoting gender diversity in the energy sector, but also reinforced its dedication to building a sustainable and inclusive energy future for Southern Africa. The event underscored the power of collaboration between government, academia and industry in driving change and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in the energy sector.
Looking forward, SANEDI plans to continue its efforts to engage with students and professionals by offering more training sessions and opportunities for involvement in the SOLTRAIN+ project, ultimately working towards a more gender-inclusive energy landscape in the region.
