CIGRE NGN: Discussion with Mashilo Moabelo

What lead you to your present career or job?

Mashilo: I grew up in a small village in rural Limpopo, South Africa, where most televisions relied on aerial technology. At around 14 years old, I began helping the elderly in my community set up their television sets to receive broadcast signal on the various channels. It was during this time that I realized I wanted to be an engineer. From that moment on, I never looked back or questioned which industry I wanted to pursue.

What are you working on now that would interest ELECTRA readers?

M.: South Africa has unfortunately been significantly impacted by load shedding. As a transformer specialist, I am currently investigating the effects of load shedding on power transformers in distribution networks. These transformers are not typically designed to be switched on and off repeatedly within short periods of time, which is the case during load shedding. My work aims to understand the long-term impacts and find solutions to mitigate the damage caused by these frequent power interruption cycles.

What has been the biggest challenge with your work?

M.: The biggest challenge in my work has been striving to become a specialist while also gaining a broad understanding of other engineering disciplines, without getting trapped in silos. In a large organization like Eskom, engineering streams are often segmented into specialized departments, which can limit exposure to other fields. This structure, while efficient for project execution, can be a hurdle for young engineers like myself, who are eager to develop a well-rounded skill set. Specialization is valuable, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of a comprehensive understanding of related streams. I believe large companies like Eskom could benefit from creating more opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration, enabling engineers to broaden their expertise and innovate more effectively.

What has been your biggest challenge balancing work and personal life?

M.: The shift to working from home during the pandemic introduced new challenges in balancing work and personal life. Before, leaving the office meant leaving work behind, but working from home blurred those boundaries. I found myself continuing to work after hours, which was particularly difficult with two small children in kindergarten who needed my attention. While returning to the office has helped me re-establish those boundaries, I do at times still struggle to completely disconnect from work in the evenings. Finding that balance remains a work in progress, but I'm committed to improving it for the sake of both my productivity and my family.

How did you get involved in CIGRE?

M.: I got involved with CIGRE thanks to the guidance and encouragement of some incredible mentors, including Khayakazi Dioka, Sidwell Mtetwa, Kevin Kleinhans, and Prince Moyo. These individuals have made significant contributions to CIGRE and were instrumental in showing me the value of being part of this global community. Early on, they emphasized that joining CIGRE would be crucial for accelerating my growth and expertise in electrical engineering. Khayakazi, in particular, played a pivotal role by inviting me to join the CIGRE Next Generation Network (NGN) for young members. Today, I am proud to serve as the Co-Chair of CIGRE SA NGN, a position I owe to the support and inspiration of these mentors.

What do you feel is CIGRE’s ‘added value’?

M.: Through my involvement with CIGRE, I have gained invaluable access to a global network of top-tier experts, which has profoundly shaped my approach to sustainable electricity. This aligns with CIGRE's purpose of enabling sustainable electricity for all by developing power system expertise worldwide. My participation in initiatives like the NGN Task Force, particularly those focused on accelerating the energy transition, reflects CIGRE's mission to contribute to the betterment of power systems by enhancing the community of experts. Leading CIGRE Southern Africa NGN has also allowed me to grow in leadership, fostering innovation and collaboration within the fraternity. Access to CIGRE's extensive technical resources, including publications, papers, brochures, and conferences, has been instrumental in my professional development as an electrical engineer specializing in transformers, reinforcing my commitment to sustainable practices in my everyday work.

Why would you recommend CIGRE membership to others?

M.: If you are a young engineer eager to advance your career in the electrical power systems industry, joining CIGRE is an unparalleled opportunity. CIGRE provides access to the best technical publications, research, and expert knowledge, ensuring that you are always at the cutting edge of industry developments. It’s a place where you can grow, not only in technical expertise, but as a leader in your field.

Even for seasoned experts, CIGRE membership is invaluable. The learning never stops; with CIGRE, you continuously discover new technologies, solutions, and perspectives that can enhance your work. Moreover, it’s an opportunity to give back—by mentoring upcoming engineers and contributing to the global community, you can make a lasting impact on the future of power systems. CIGRE is more than just an organization; it’s a collaborative, innovative community dedicated to the sustainable future of electricity worldwide.

Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

M.: I have always been deeply passionate about electrical engineering, and this drives my ambition to achieve the highest levels of expertise in my field. I envision my future either as a corporate specialist—the pinnacle of specialization within Eskom, where I currently work—or as the founder of my own consultancy firm, dedicated to advancing the South African electrical industry.

Do you have one major goal or do you have a bucket list? Are you willing to share this information?

M.: My primary goal is to align my life and work with God’s will. While I am not perfect, I strive to follow His guidance in everything I do.

What would you like to see change in our industry in the future?

M.: In the future, I hope to see greater tolerance and collaboration within our industry. In South Africa, the debate between fossil fuels and renewable energy has become highly politicized. Some advocate for fossil fuels due to our abundant coal resources and the need for reliable and affordable energy. Others push for early adoption of renewables to avoid the pitfalls of fossil fuel dependency. As engineers, we should not fall into this trap of intolerance. Instead, we must find ways to integrate both energy sources, meeting each other halfway to ensure a balanced and sustainable energy future for developing countries.

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