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About Us
We are an Independent Power Producer based in Mpumalanga, South Africa. We provide environmentally conscious energy solutions to the market.
"Vutomi", means life in the "Tsonga" language of the Shangani tribe. As an IPP we aim to bring life to the economy through sustainable clean energy solutions.
To offer our clients firm baseload power our strategy is to mix all the available technologies like wind, solar, and gas into our projects to get to an affordable levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for a very high available and efficient plant.
Our Story
Vutomi Energy (Vutomi) was formed in 2019 following the acquisition of the Newcastle co-generation plant. Through its strategic alliance with Rolls Royce Burgen Engen now Bergen as part of Langley Group. Vutomi has been seeking out opportunities to refurbish this Newcastle Gas Engine Power Plant (NGEPP) and other power generation opportunities within the Sub-Saharan region.
Up until 2017, the NGEPP was operating as a 18.5MW (13MW) gas-fired power generation project, with all appropriate licences in place, and supplying electricity into an Eskom PPA. NGEPP was originally being developed as a 100MW gas-fired power generation project for purposes of submitting into the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Programme (RMIPPP) in 2020.
Vutomi and its partners are developing the facility to a 300MW Gas Power Plant.
What We Value
In many African countries, even relatively prosperous ones, less than 20% of people have regular access to electrical power.
We can change the narrative of Africa being the “dark continent” by building one power plant at a time.
01
Innovation
Solutions that are unique in generating electricity, how we transmit it and the way we distribute it.
02
Technology Advancement
We seek to provide our customers with high-quality, effective and technology that is safe, meet and exceeds the modern industry standards.
03
Pride
We are at our best when we provide stable, safe and reliable energy supply to our customers.
04
Competitive
We will achieve a good LCOE however we balance short-term, medium-term and long-term goals interests.
05
Environment
We love our environment and as a responsible citizen we strive to reduce carbon emissions and pollutants.
Board of Directors
Chairman & CEO | MBA
Timothy Simon Whati
Timothy Simon Whati is an accomplished business leader with over 20 years of experience in the financial and energy sectors. He has held executive roles, including Regional General Manager at Nedbank and Leadership positions at Standard Bank, where he managed Retail & Business Banking portfolios. Timothy holds an MBA and has completed advanced leadership programs from institutions such as WITS Business School, GIBS and London Business School. Since 2019, he has been serving as a Board Member for both Vutomi Energy and Newcastle Energy. Timothy’s expertise in strategy, risk management, project finance, project development and innovation drives his commitment to sustainable energy solutions and impactful leadership across industries.
Company Secretary | LLB
Christel Van Niekerk
She has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and community service, having served on the Golden Key Committee as Director of Fundraising and Finances. Additionally, Christel was actively involved in recruiting and managing community outreach projects, showcasing her passion for social impact and legal expertise.
Legal | LLB
Nomaswazi Shabangu-Mndawe
An accomplished legal professional, admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa. Recognized as Women Lawyer Award from SAWLA i and the Icon of South African Women honor. A dedicated member of the Legal Practitioners in terms of the Legal Practice Act and the Institute of Directors in Southern Africa, Nomaswazi combines her legal expertise with a commitment to leadership and empowerment.
Risk & Ethics| MBA
Nombuso Mphali
Nombuso holds an MBA and a BCom degree, with an Honours degree in Economics. She has successfully completed various leadership courses within the banking industry, including those from the prestigious Banking Academy. She brings a strategic and analytical approach to her role at Vutomi Energy
Finance | CA(SA)
Patience Ntuli
Patience is a dedicated leader in the finance and risk management sectors, currently serving as Chairperson of the Risk Committee at the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security, and Liaison. Patience is also the current Chairperson of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants' Lowveld Committee.
Human Capital | BA Hons.
Mpho Motshegoa
Mpho is a seasoned Human Capital Leader with a deep passion for people, women’s advancement, and leadership development. She excels in leveraging people analytics to drive business performance, using data-driven insights to influence organizational success.
Sustainability | MArch(Prof)
Teinie Van Rooyen
Tienie van Rooyen is an experienced architect, designer, and sustainability entrepreneur with a focus on green building practices. He currently serves as an EDGE Expert at EDGE Buildings, providing technical support for green building design and EDGE certification across various sectors, including commercial, residential, hospitality, retail, educational, and light industrial buildings in South Africa.
Funding | BCompt Hon.
Lebogang Mpakati
Lebogang Mpakati is a seasoned business advisor specializing in business rescue, restructuring, and turnaround strategies. Known for her analytical expertise, professionalism, and strong work ethic, she is committed to delivering actionable, high-quality solutions that drive business recovery and growth.
ESG | PHD
Dr Lerato Khumalo
PhD in Chemical Technology from the University of Pretoria and over 19 years of expertise in sustainability, she brings invaluable knowledge in climate change, ESG integration, and environmental management to our leadership team.Dr. Khumalo is a respected voice in climate change and ESG forums and believes that 'Sustainability is the responsibility for every one of us.
Executive Team
Founder & CEO | MBA
Timothy Simon Whati
Timothy Simon Whati is an accomplished business leader with over 20 years of experience in the financial and energy sectors. He has held executive roles, including Regional General Manager at Nedbank and Leadership positions at Standard Bank, where he managed Retail & Business Banking portfolios. Timothy holds an MBA and has completed advanced leadership programs from institutions such as WITS Business School, GIBS and London Business School. Since 2019, he has been serving as a Board Member for both Vutomi Energy and Newcastle Energy. Timothy’s expertise in strategy, risk management, project finance, project development and innovation drives his commitment to sustainable energy solutions and impactful leadership across industries.
Business Manager | N.Dip Civ Eng
Matimba Ngwenya
A civil engineering technician by trade (N.Dip), and a hands on business consultant with 10 years’ experience across various sectors that drive his business acumen today. His background includes entrepreneurial ventures and involvement across a range of industries such as, property development and management, civil engineering, construction, retail, hospitality, facility management, and marketing.
Marketing Manager | N.Dip PR Management
Ndzalama Ngwenya
Ndzalama Ngwenya holds a National Diploma in Public Relations and brings a diverse background of marketing expertise to her role as Marketing Manager at Vutomi Energy. With over 15 years experience spanning multiple industries—including energy, hospitality, retail, cleaning, farming, and security—Ndzalama is skilled in crafting targeted marketing strategies that resonate across sectors. Her hands-on approach, combined with a deep understanding of public relations, drives her ability to create impactful campaigns and foster brand visibility.
Company Secretary | LLB
Christel Van Niekerk
Christel holds an LLB and BCom Law from North-West University. She has demonstrated leadership through her role as Director of Fundraising and Finances on the Golden Key Committee, and actively contributed to community outreach initiatives. With a strong background in law and finance, Christel plays a key role in supporting Vutomi Energy’s commitment to integrity and strategic growth.
Head of Commercial
David Stuart Eyre
With a strong background in renewable energy development, David has over 15 years of experience in managing and analyzing projects within the sector. He co-founded Greenheart Energy Ltd, a UK-based renewable energy company, where he played a key role in company operations, project development, and financial modelling for large-scale projects. His expertise spans solar, wind, and biomass technologies, and he has worked with major companies like Rolls Royce, ABB, and Canadian Solar. David has successfully managed project financing, including equity and debt fundraising, and has led multiple large-scale energy projects, both in the UK and internationally.