Minister Ramokgopa Appoints Nomfundo Maseti Acting Nersa CEO
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa has appointed Nomfundo Maseti to lead the organisation in an acting capacity.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in People
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Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has appointed Nomfundo Maseti as the acting CEO of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa). She steps into the role following the conclusion of Nomalanga Sithole's term.
Why it matters
The appointment ensures leadership continuity at the national energy regulator as the minister begins the process of selecting a permanent CEO. This role is critical for the oversight of the energy sector in South Africa.
Nomfundo Maseti transitions into this leadership role while maintaining her existing responsibilities as a full-time regulator member for piped-gas. This interim appointment follows the departure of her predecessor after the expiration of their term.
The players
Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
He serves as the Minister of Electricity and Energy for South Africa.
Nomfundo Maseti
She is a full-time regulator member at Nersa responsible for piped-gas oversight.
Nomalanga Sithole
She is the outgoing CEO of Nersa whose term concluded in October 2026.
Ria Govender
She currently serves as the acting chairperson of the Nersa board.
Thembani Bukula
He is the former chairperson of Nersa who resigned from the position due to health reasons.
The details
Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa confirmed the appointment of Maseti, who currently oversees piped-gas regulation within the body. Her tenure as acting head will persist until the ministry finalises the recruitment process for a permanent chief executive.
Timeline
15 June 2026: Ria Govender was appointed as acting Nersa chairperson.
24 October 2026: Nomalanga Sithole completed her term as CEO.
25 October 2026: Nomfundo Maseti commenced her duties as acting CEO.
Market Landscape
This leadership change occurs within the established framework of the National Energy Regulator Act, which dictates the governance structure of the regulator. It reflects a period of transition as the body seeks to stabilise its executive oversight during ongoing recruitment efforts.
This appointment ensures that the regulatory functions overseen by Nersa continue without disruption to the energy sector. Citizens and industry stakeholders should expect standard regulatory oversight to persist as the recruitment process for a permanent leader moves forward.
The takeaway
Organisational stability is maintained through the appointment of existing leadership to interim roles during vacancies. Regulators rely on such succession planning to keep national energy policies consistent while searching for permanent executive talent.
Further reading
For more information on administrative changes within the national regulator, visit the South Africa People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mining Weekly.
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