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.
Founded in 2001 in KwaZulu-Natal when EDF and Total won a concession to install solar home systems in areas far from the national grid. Kukhanya, isiZulu for 'to shine light', has been doing exactly that ever since.
- Founded
- 2001
- Sales agents
- 400+
- Provinces
- 9
Our mission
Access to energy is a fundamental human right.
Our mission is to provide reliable and affordable solar power systems that illuminate lives, fuel progress, and foster a brighter future — delivering tailored, innovative solutions to help individuals and businesses in rural and peri-urban areas achieve energy independence.
25 years, one road
Our journey to providing reliable energy in South Africa.
The key moments that shaped Kukhanya's work in rural and peri-urban communities.
2001
Founded in KwaZulu-Natal
Electricité de France (EDF) and Total jointly won a concession to install solar home systems in central KwaZulu-Natal. KES was founded to execute the mandate — first installations included a few lights, a radio, and phone charging.
2010s
Kukhanya is born
Expansion into the Eastern Cape prompted a name change from "KwaZulu" to "Kukhanya" — isiZulu for "to shine light" — forming Kukhanya Energy Services. Product range grew to include LED TVs, fridges, and whole-household systems.
2025
National expansion
180% sales growth. Agents grew from 150 to 400+. Secured financing that enabled rapid scaling across the South African market.
2026
National footprint
Nine provinces. 50 permanent staff. 400+ sales agents. 40+ distributors. 50+ installers. 72% of distributors are women.
KES Energy builds practical solutions designed for rural realities, delivered with respect for the communities we serve.
In the press
Featured in Green Economy Journal.
Read the full feature on KES Energy in Issue 76 of the Green Economy Journal.
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.
Software Engineering Manager
Kevin Mpofu
Leads the software engineering team responsible for building and maintaining the digital platforms that power Kukhanya Energy. Drives technical innovation to deliver reliable, user-friendly solutions for customers and agents.
Regional managers
On the ground across the country.
Themba Dlalisa
National Sales Manager — Inland East Region
Talent Zulu
National Sales Manager — Inland West Region
Nangamso Malindi
National Sales Manager — Coastal Region
Want solar at home? Talk to an agent.
Tell us your nearest town on WhatsApp and we'll send someone to you.
