Matleng Energy Solutions (Matleng), an energy solutions business, was founded by CEO Corrie van der Wath and chairperson Nelisiwe Magubane in 2014, and has since grown to incorporate Pendo Energy Solutions (Pendo), a subsidiary business, which focuses on turnkey engineering solutions.
Matleng is committed to solving clients’ energy related challenges through effective implementation of new and/or existing technologies. Core services range from feasibility studies, planning and design, to construction with the aim of adding value to their clients and communities. “We believe optimizing energy solutions is the key to unlocking development on the African continent, and the emphasis of our offering is to serve the country’s communities,” says van der Wath.
To illustrate this, Magubane points to one of the current projects the business is involved in where the creation of large scale infrastructure will be supplying energy to 24 000 households based in previously disadvantaged settlements, resulting in around 125 000 people being supplied with electricity. “Our vision is to be the leading specialist in delivering cutting edge business and energy solutions with a special focus on the development of women, whilst being conscious of our social impact,” she adds.
In conjunction with their business, Matleng supports a student development programme and a Women in Energy Initiative respectively in conjunction with Resolution Circle and the AMEU (Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities). The student program identifies young professionals in the engineering learning environment to complete an internship programme within their company. “We are involved in various onsite development programmes to employ and develop identified individuals from the community in the areas of project execution,” says van der Wath.
“We also offer an Entrepreneur, Leadership and Management programme (e.g. Women in Energy) which provides mentorship and coaching for candidate engineers & energy specialists,” he explains. “We are currently mentoring 60 women in the programme, and this number continues to grow as the benefits of this mentorship become more widely known.”
Given their industry, Matleng’s biggest competitive advantage is their trusted and close relationship with the individuals that operate within their business network. The company builds and maintains long-term relationships by being loyal and dedicated to providing excellent service, underpinned by an ongoing commitment to unearthing energy opportunities on the continent. “We differentiate ourselves by servicing our clients from a human capital point of view, rather than the clinical service that the engineering industry is often associated with. In all our interactions, we aim for a win-win approach so that all stakeholders gain,” continues van der Wath.
This value driven business approach has contributed to Matleng’s growth of 27,1% over the last financial year stemming from accumulated projects which exceeded the value of R5 billion in construction value. “We have consistently committed to leaving a lasting positive impact on the communities that we serve, not only through our work, but our numerous development programmes and implementation of sustainable solutions,” concludes Magubane.
Corrie van der Wath and Nelisiwe Magubane are finalists in the 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year® competition sponsored by Sanlam and BUSINESS/PARTNERS. For more information on their business, please visit the Matleng website: www.matleng.com