Chief Executive Officer
Rolf Niemand
Electrical engineer with deep energy sector experience. Drives sustainable energy strategies for underserved communities through technology-driven solutions.
About KES · Since 2001
25 years turning on the lights.
Started in 2001 in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal. One van, two installers, a belief that solar belonged in every rural home — not just the rich ones.
- Founded
- 2001
- Homes lit
- 16,000+
- Provinces
- 6
Pinetown, KZN · HQ since 2001Our mission
Light is not a luxury.
It's how a child finishes homework. How a clinic stores vaccines. How a salon stays open past 6pm. We exist to make solar electricity available to every South African family - regardless of credit history, income, or distance from the grid.
25 years, one road
A timeline of turning on the lights.
The key moments that shaped Kukhanya's work in rural and peri-urban communities.
2001
One van, two installers
Founded in Pinetown, KZN. First install in Hammarsdale.
2009
PayGo launched
Pay@ partnership with Shoprite. No credit check, ever.
2014
Schools programme
1% pledge formalised. First 50 rural schools electrified.
2026
16,000 homes
Six provinces. 180 local agents. The road continues.
By the numbers
A quarter century of practical impact.
2001
Founded
0
Homes lit
0
Local agents
6
Provinces
100%
SA-owned
We started with one van. Twenty-five years later, the model is still the same: show up, install well, stay close.
The team
The people turning on the lights.
Leadership steering the company, and regional managers running the work on the ground.
Chief Financial Officer
Joelene Chetty
Chartered Accountant with 10+ years of experience across Deloitte, retail, FMCG, and energy sectors. Ensures strong financial-operational alignment.
Human Resource Manager
Nokukhanya Mkhize
Cross-industry HR expertise spanning oil & gas, consulting, healthcare, and retail. Pursuing a Master's in HR with a people-first culture approach.
Head of Sales and Marketing
Luyanda Nguqu
10+ years of brand and shopper marketing experience at Unilever and British American Tobacco. Managed 15% of BAT South Africa's business and 100+ employees.
Call Centre Manager
Shaun Peters
Customer experience leader with extensive background in contact centre operations and team development. Champions service excellence and ensures every customer interaction reflects the Kukhanya commitment to quality and care.
Regional managers
On the ground across the country.
Themba Dlalisa
National Sales Manager — Inland Region
Kgaogelo Tjobonde
National Sales Manager — North Region
Nangamso Malindi
National Sales Manager — Coastal Region
Want solar at home? Talk to an agent.
The fastest way to learn what's possible is a free site visit. Tell us your nearest town on WhatsApp and we'll send someone within the week.
