South Africa’s state-owned power utility Eskom has named Junaid Munshi as its new Group Executive for Distribution, adding another senior executive to its leadership team as the company works to improve electricity supply and strengthen its network operations.

Munshi will take up the role on June 1, 2026, replacing Monde Bala, who was recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA).

The appointment comes as Eskom continues efforts to steady operations after years of power cuts that weighed on households, businesses and economic growth.

The distribution division plays a key role in delivering electricity across South Africa, making the position one of the utility’s most important operational jobs.

Eskom has been under pressure to improve reliability, maintain aging infrastructure and support the country’s broader energy reforms.

Agnes Mlambo had been leading the division in an acting capacity after Bala moved to NTCSA.

Eskom said Munshi’s appointment forms part of its wider plan to strengthen leadership across critical business units.

Focus on operational experience

Munshi brings more than three decades of experience in engineering, telecommunications and commercial management.

He joins Eskom from Cable & Wireless Seychelles, where he served as Chief Commercial Officer.

In that role, he oversaw sales, marketing, customer operations and business growth initiatives.

His experience managing large-scale operational teams is expected to support Eskom as it works to improve service delivery and customer relations.

Background in telecoms and technology

Before joining Cable & Wireless Seychelles, Munshi held senior roles at Maziv Group, Cell C and Vodacom Group.

His career has largely focused on technology, network operations and commercial strategy across Southern Africa.

Industry analysts say Eskom’s decision to bring in an executive with a telecommunications background reflects the growing overlap between energy infrastructure, digital systems and customer-focused operations.

Academic and leadership credentials

Munshi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of Cape Town.

He also earned a Graduate Diploma in Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand and an MBA from Wits Business School in Johannesburg.

His appointment comes at a time when Eskom is working to improve operational performance and rebuild confidence in South Africa’s electricity sector as demand for stable power supply continues to rise.