Scheppers Steps Down as Interim CEO of NTCSA Amid Ongoing CEO Search

Established as part of Eskom’s restructuring efforts, the NTCSA is a critical component of South Africa’s broader electricity sector reform agenda.

The National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Eskom Holdings, has announced a significant leadership transition. Segomoco Scheppers, who has been serving as the Interim Chief Executive Officer (ICEO) since July 2024, will officially conclude his secondment and return to Eskom Holdings, marking the end of a pivotal era in the formation and operational grounding of NTCSA.

A Transformational Tenure

Scheppers’ interim leadership came at a critical juncture in South Africa’s energy reform journey. His tenure coincided with the operationalization of NTCSA—an instrumental entity in reshaping the country’s electricity sector in line with the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act. This landmark legislation supports the unbundling of Eskom's transmission business and the development of a competitive electricity market, aimed at bolstering energy security and fostering economic inclusivity.

Under Scheppers’ stewardship, NTCSA successfully navigated the complex process of separation from Eskom’s vertically integrated structure. According to NTCSA Board Chairperson Priscillah Mabelane, Scheppers was “instrumental in delivering a fully operational NTCSA,” one that now functions as a vital entity within South Africa’s power ecosystem.

Board Commendation

Mabelane expressed deep appreciation for Scheppers’ role, noting, “We owe Scheppers a huge debt of thanks for the skills he brought to bear to take the transmission business to a point of separation and creating the NTCSA as a wholly owned subsidiary of Eskom Holdings.”

She emphasized that Scheppers’ efforts helped lay the foundation for the envisioned competitive electricity market. “The NTCSA serves as an important catalyst in the country’s evolving energy supply industry and ending the vertical integration business model for the benefit of consumers,” she added.

CEO Appointment Still Pending

While Scheppers was among those shortlisted for the permanent CEO position, the NTCSA Board has not yet finalized a candidate. The search for a long-term leader continues, with both the NTCSA and Eskom Holdings Boards committed to accelerating the appointment process.

“Although Scheppers was shortlisted for the permanent role, the NTCSA Board has not yet identified the candidate to lead the business into its next phase,” the company said in an official statement.

Focus on Continuity and Strategy Execution

NTCSA assured stakeholders that it remains steadfast in its strategic objectives despite the leadership transition. A new Interim CEO will soon be appointed to ensure seamless execution of its strategic roadmap, including the Transmission Development Plan (TDP), operational unbundling tasks as mandated by national legislation, and the establishment of a fair and transparent competitive electricity market.

The NTCSA Board emphasized the need for a visionary leader who can navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving energy landscape while staying committed to the regulatory reforms driving South Africa’s electricity sector transformation.

NTCSA’s Role in South Africa’s Energy Future

Established as part of Eskom’s restructuring efforts, the NTCSA is a critical component of South Africa’s broader electricity sector reform agenda. The company is tasked with managing the country’s transmission grid and ensuring open, non-discriminatory access to transmission services. It is also responsible for planning and expanding the grid infrastructure to accommodate the increasing integration of renewable energy sources and private generation.

By fostering competition in electricity generation and creating an enabling environment for investment, NTCSA is seen as a linchpin in the transition to a more secure, sustainable, and consumer-friendly energy system.

A formal announcement regarding the new Interim CEO is expected in the coming weeks.