In a continent rich with potential yet laden with challenges, one woman’s ambitious dream has blossomed into a multimillion-rand enterprise. Hleziphi Mtshizane, an electrical engineer from Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, embarked on a journey in 2017 that saw her transition from a stable corporate job to founding InPursuit Renewable Energy, a company that is now making significant strides in South Africa’s energy sector.
Having witnessed firsthand the lack of local context in the delivery of renewable energy projects, Mtshizane was determined to engineer solutions that not only cater to the needs of African communities but also create livelihood opportunities. “Decisions were being made without considering our context. I wanted to develop energy solutions specifically for Africans, by Africans,” Mtshizane shares with conviction.
The initial years were marked by severe challenges as Mountshizane balanced the demanding realities of entrepreneurship with single motherhood. With limited resources, her initial focus was on offering development and advisory services for large-scale renewable projects, while gradually shifting towards smaller-scale solar and battery storage solutions to sustain her business. This strategy not only amplified InPursuit’s reputation but also forged a path to significant contracts.
2023 proved to be a watershed year for InPursuit, with Absa appointing the firm as a preferred service provider for energy solutions in Gauteng. The impact of this partnership was monumental; revenue skyrocketed nearly tenfold, from just under R700,000 in 2022 to R6.4 million by 2023. Additionally, her team expanded to a diverse 14-member group, enhancing the company’s engineering and operational capabilities.
Another landmark moment arrived in December 2024. City Power appointed InPursuit as an independent power producer (IPP) to deliver a 5MW natural-gas-to-energy plant, with energy offtake contracted for at least three years. This achievement has summarised the culmination of Mtshizane’s persistent determination, strengthened by a symbiotic partnership with the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA).
Mtshizane recounts her chance meeting with a GGDA representative, which sparked a productive relationship that allowed for rapid growth in regulatory pathways and strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including Egoli Gas and Sasol. “We would never have been able to make this amount of progress in four months without the GGDA,” she notes, attributing her rapid advancement to their unwavering support.
With a solid foundation on the rise, InPursuit is looking to broaden its horizons even further. “We now feel more courageous to pursue the dream of building a full portfolio of independent power projects, particularly in gas-to-energy, and perhaps even hydrogen,” Mtshizane affirms, reflecting on her ambitions for the future.
Moreover, her belief in development goes beyond just business achievements. To date, InPursuit has trained over 200 young artisans as part of its commitment to invigorating the local economy. By empowering youth with skills in solar energy and energy efficiency, she envisions a future where energy projects not only generate power but also foster community growth and stability.
“Seeing livelihoods change is the part I love the most,” Mtshizane reflects. “Energy projects often come with huge investments, and those investments must benefit communities, not just the companies involved.” Her vision is not only for her company but extends to legacy—ensuring that future generations, particularly her daughters, see engineering and technology as viable fields where they can thrive.
Motivated by a strong sense of mission and purpose, Mtshizane’s dedication remains unwavering. “I want Africa’s energy solutions to carry our unique signature while changing lives in the process.” With a powerful drive for significance, InPursuit Renewable Energy is indeed a tale of resilience, commitment, and transformative growth in the renewable energy landscape of South Africa.