EngineerConnect Cape Town: The Future of Energy in Africa

A Panel Discussion on Powering Sustainable Growth Through Engineering Skills, Innovation, and Resilience.

Join us in person at EngineerConnect Cape Town on Friday, 20 March 2026 for a free energy engineering event where industry experts, alumni, and engineering professionals explore how practical skills, innovation, and applied solutions are shaping the future of energy in Africa.

This panel is co-hosted by sister colleges, the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) and the Engineering College of Science and Technology (ECST). Together, EIT and ECST are committed to delivering practical, industry-ready engineering education.

In this discussion we will cover renewable energy integration, grid reliability, infrastructure development, and the workforce skills needed to build reliable, scalable, and sustainable energy systems. With growing demand, expanding infrastructure, and increased investment in renewables, engineering professionals have exciting opportunities to design smarter systems and support long-term sustainable development across the continent.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, 20 March 2026
• Time: 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM SAST
• Location: Radisson RED Cape Town V&A Waterfront, South Africa
• Cost: FREE

What to Expect:

• Practical insights into Africa’s evolving energy sector, including renewable energy, grid resilience, and sustainable infrastructure.
• Discussion of real-world engineering challenges facing power generation, transmission, and distribution across the continent.
• Perspectives on skills gaps and workforce readiness for future energy projects.
• Cross-disciplinary viewpoints spanning electrical, mechanical, civil, and energy engineering.
• Networking opportunities with engineers, educators, alumni, and industry partners.
• Digital Certificate of Attendance available for participants.

Meet the Moderator:

Berry Dikotla, Recruitment and Business Development Manager (Africa & Middle East)

With over 10 years of experience in educational recruitment, Berry joined EIT in 2021 as a Course Advisor. Currently, he serves as a Recruitment and Business Development manager for Africa and the Middle East, where he is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their full potential. His passion for empowerment has led him to travel extensively, which includes visits to Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, Egypt, and Australia.

Meet the Panelists:

Frikkie Marx Pr Eng, B Sc (Eng), Power Electronics and Electro-Optical Systems Designer, Project Manager, System Engineer, EMC Consultant, and Technical Training Consultant.

With more than 36 years of experience, Frikkie has worked across power electronics, electro-optical systems, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in both military and commercial markets. His expertise spans power-related products for industrial and defence systems, UAVs, and advanced electro-optical components, including infrared camera technologies.

Alongside his industry career, Frikkie has been deeply involved in engineering education and training for over two decades. He has lectured at Technikon SA (now part of UNISA), developed and delivered specialist short courses for Denel, the University of Johannesburg, and Wits University, and has worked with EIT and the IDC for approximately 20 years. His perspective bridges deep technical expertise with skills development for the next generation of engineers.

Antonio Norberto, Mechanical Engineer, Offshore Energy Specialist, and EIT Student Ambassador 2026. 

Antonio is a mechanical engineer with over a decade of experience in offshore oil and gas operations in Angola, specialising in production operations, safety leadership, and Control of Work systems. He holds a Master of Engineering (Mechanical) from the Engineering Institute of Technology and is actively involved in offshore energy operations that support Africa’s economic development.

As an EIT Student Ambassador for 2026, Antonio is passionate about knowledge sharing and skills development across the engineering profession. He brings a pragmatic, operations-focused perspective on how Africa can leverage existing energy infrastructure while responsibly transitioning toward sustainable growth through improved efficiency, workforce capability, strong safety culture, and the gradual integration of cleaner energy solutions.

Garth Greubel, Energy Markets Specialist and Doctoral Candidate (Electrical Engineering – Power Systems).

Garth has spent much of his career in financial services and energy markets, working in advisory roles, banking, and trading. He is a former partner at Deloitte, served as Chief Executive of the Bond Exchange of South Africa, and worked in the treasury division of Eskom Holdings. He later founded an electricity trading business, which he successfully sold in 2022.

Currently a doctoral candidate in electrical engineering specialising in power system analysis, Garth’s interests include renewable energy integration, smart grids, virtual power plants, and system inertia. His multidisciplinary background in law, economics, mathematics, and engineering enables him to connect technical power system challenges with market design and policy considerations.

Ntando Nsuntsha, Mechanical Engineer and Component Engineer at Eskom’s Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.

Ntando has built her career in the energy sector, working across both strategic and operational roles within Eskom. She previously worked in Business Strategy, supporting divisions in aligning their initiatives with the organisation’s broader strategic objectives. She currently works at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, Africa’s only nuclear power facility, where she is responsible for the reliability and performance of Air Operated Valves, critical components within the plant. Her work focuses on troubleshooting, performance analysis, and reliability management to support the safe and efficient operation of the station.

Ntando holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cape Town and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Engineering Management at Stellenbosch University. She also serves as Treasurer of the Koeberg Young Nuclear Professionals Committee, supporting the development of emerging professionals in the nuclear sector.

Representing Event Gold Sponsor One Eighty Materials Engineering Solutions (PTY) Ltd:

Dr Janet Cotton, Managing Director BSc(Eng) PhD(Materials Engineering UCT) PrEng

This event is proudly sponsored by One Eighty Materials Engineering Solutions (PTY) Ltd our Gold Event Sponsor, and Zutari our Silver Event Sponsor.

Interested in sponsoring this event?

Sponsoring EngineerConnect Cape Town is a great opportunity to showcase your brand to a highly engaged audience of engineering professionals, educators, and future engineers. Sponsors gain exposure across EIT and ECST digital and email networks, reaching thousands of engineers and students, while positioning their organisation as a contributor to energy skills development, sustainable engineering solutions, and STEM education. It’s also a chance to strengthen your employer brand and build meaningful connections across the engineering community.

View the Sponsorship Prospectus to learn more, or contact Berry Dikotla to discuss sponsorship options.

Email: Berry.Dikotla@eit.edu.au | Phone: 011 024 5520

Who are EIT and ECST?

The Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) and the Engineering College of Science and Technology (ECST) are sister colleges.

• EIT provides professional development courses, Australian-accredited diplomas and advanced diplomas, undergraduate and graduate certificates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and the professional Doctor of Engineering. Many of EIT’s accredited programs are also internationally recognised. EIT has three campuses in Australia and delivers live, interactive learning supported by remote and virtual laboratories, with students in more than 160 countries.
• ECST, based in Midrand, South Africa, offers blended on-campus learning through its South African accredited and ECSA-endorsed Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electrical Engineering.

Together, EIT and ECST are committed to delivering practical, industry-ready engineering education

If you have any questions, please contact Pippa Dold: pippa.dold@eit.edu.au

We look forward to seeing you there.

Register now to secure your spot!