“VUT alumna Juliet Kgalake, Senior Technologist at Eskom, drives energy innovation while championing gender equality and inspiring young women in STEM.”
19 August 2025 | Story By: Tshepiso Kaibe | Picture: Supplied
2 minutes read time.
In the fields of engineering and energy innovation, where women remain underrepresented, Ms Juliet Kgalake has forged a path defined by determination, excellence, and a commitment to lifting others as she rises. A proud alumna of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), she now serves as a Senior Technologist in Eskom’s Research, Testing & Development (RT&D) business unit, within the Technology Strategy and Research Management Department.
Her academic journey began at VUT, where she completed a National Diploma and a BTech in Electrical Engineering (High Voltage), laying the foundation for her career. She went on to broaden her expertise with studies in Project Management, followed by a BSc (Hons) in Management of Technology from the University of Pretoria. Most recently, in 2024, she earned an MBA from Henley Business School, a milestone that further strengthened her leadership credentials.
Ms Kgalake’s career at Eskom started as an electrical technician. Through her drive, leadership and vision, she steadily rose to her current position. Today, she leads the development of RT&D strategy, spearheads continuous improvement initiatives, and serves as Eskom’s coordinator for G20 Priority 1: Energy Security, Affordable and Reliable Access. In this global role, she represents South Africa’s Ministry of Electricity and Energy on the G20 Energy Transition Working Group.
Yet, for Ms Kgalake, success extends beyond personal achievement. She is deeply committed to creating opportunities for women, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. As champion of the RT&D Eskom Women Empowerment Programme, she leads initiatives that foster a supportive environment for female employees. Beyond the workplace, she partners with under-resourced schools to provide career guidance, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing.
Reflecting on Women’s Month, she defines gender equality in her own words: “Gender equality means having the same opportunities as everyone else, not special treatment, just fairness. It’s about speaking out, challenging the status quo and matching my male counterparts in influence and impact. Once I attain that equality, I see it as my responsibility to uplift other women who haven’t had the same opportunities.”
Her passion for empowering young girls is rooted in personal experience and an acute awareness of the systemic barriers that limit women’s growth in both entrepreneurship and corporate spaces. As a wife, mother of two daughters, and sister, Ms Kgalake is determined to inspire young black girls from townships and villages to dream boldly, challenge boundaries, and defy societal limitations.