Full Name: Sibulele Dlova

Position and Company Name: GM for sub-Saharan Africa at GameChange

Main Activity of the Company: GameChange is the second-largest global provider of solar-tracker solutions used in utility-scale and ground-mounted distributed generation solar projects around the world. It has delivered over 43 GW of solar-tracker and fixed-tilt systems

Date and Place of Birth: March 4, 1982, in Cape Town, South Africa

Schools and Tertiary Education: I matriculated from Herschel High School in Cape Town and went on to complete a BSc in Electrical Engineering at the University of Cape Town. I later pursued a Management Development Programme at Stellenbosch University, followed by an MBA at the same institution. I have also completed an Executive Leadership Development Programme at Henley Business School

First Job: Netball coach at Micklefield Junior School and Herschel Girls High School, both my alma maters

Career History Prior to Current Position: I started my working career as an engineer-in-training at Eskom and progressed through the ranks, leaving as GM for the Eastern and Northern Cape provinces in the State-owned utility’s Distribution Division. My next role was as energy unit leader at Aurecon Consulting Engineers, and I subsequently served as MD of NetEquity Networks, energy specialist on the USAid-funded Southern African Power Programme and CEO of SGB-Smit Power Matla

Management Style: I am a results-orientated leader and adapt my style based on the developmental stage and needs of the team I lead

Personal Best Achievement: Raising two happy and healthy children

Professional Best Achievement: Being named a 2023 Mail & Guardian winner in the Mining and Production category

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My mother – I deeply admire her relationship with God and how she gives her all in everything she does

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: One of the people who had an early influence in my career is former Eskom executive Rhulani Matshidze. She nurtured my potential, and her belief in my abilities empowered me to pursue my path in the energy sector with confidence. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to learn from many authentic leaders who’ve shaped my journey

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: In South Africa, former Telkom CEO Sipho Maseko stands out as an exceptional leader. Internationally, GameChange Solar founder and CEO Andrew Worden’s business acumen is mind blowing

Philosophy of Life: Treat others the way you would want to be treated. I also think that life needs to slow down a bit, so that we can truly appreciate it. Kuningi!

Favourite Reading: I love reading biographies of different people

Favourite Music: Gospel and Afro-pop. Sundays are reserved for jazz

Favourite Sport: Tennis, rugby, netball and Formula 1, and I also love watching all sports

Hobbies: Relaxing, playing social sports, nature walks and surrounding myself with people who make me laugh

Married: Divorced

Children: A daughter and a son

Clubs: None