Lambona Ferdinand “Ompi” Aphane

Lambona Aphane was appointed to his current position in September 2012. He holds a BSc degree in Electrical Engineering from the then University of Natal and completed a graduate training course at the Ingagane, Hendrina, Grootvlei, Arnot and Komati power stations, majoring in the generation of power stations on auxiliary plant, turbine, generator systems design, and life extension and modification.

He was seconded to Powergen plc in the United Kingdom (UK) on a scholarship where he obtained experience in the UK electricity spot market. He joined the then Department of Minerals and Energy in May 2003 as chief director: Electricity. Mr Aphane is an experienced energy policy framework developer who is also a qualified professional electrical engineer. He acts as an advisor to the Minister of Energy on energy security matters and has championed the development of the country’s integrated resource plan for electricity 2010 to 2030. Mr Aphane also advised on the transmission interconnection with neighbouring countries, and provided the policy oversight for the programme for electricity distribution sector reform and the consolidation process into regional electricity distributors.