Originally from the mining town of Marikana, Refilwe Sebothoma is making bold moves in leading the energy industry as founder and CEO of Hakem Energies. Having become the official Oryx Energies South Africa distributor of LPG, Refilwe’s mission is to provide clean, affordable gas energy, one community at a time. She shares her career journey so far:
As a female entrepreneur in an industry dominated by large corporations, it’s easy to feel overshadowed. Winning the 2024 Bold Future Award by Veuve Clicquot is a powerful affirmation that my efforts matter. It’s inspired me to be more bold and more daring. I hope this recognition not only motivates me to keep pushing boundaries, but also amplifies our mission at Hakem Energies to eradicate energy poverty and secure the support we need to drive meaningful change.
For me, success is all about impact. I want to make Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) accessible and affordable for everyone, regardless of economic status. Secondly, I want to empower women and youth from marginalised communities to be active participants in the value chain of the LPG industry, taking on active roles beyond just being consumers.
I grew up experiencing the harsh realities of energy poverty first–hand. Today, many rural and township communities in South Africa still face even greater challenges than I did. With the current focus on the Just Energy Transition, I worry that marginalised communities could be left behind, which would defeat the purpose of the transition being “just”. For these communities, energy poverty isn’t just about the lack of electricity— it’s tied to serious socio–economic issues like “firewood rape”, premature deaths from household pollution, and paraffin poisoning. Hakem Energies exists to change that, with a mission to transform and uplift the lives of ordinary people—one individual, one family and one community at a time.
By making LPG both accessible and affordable, Hakem Energies is helping communities adopt safer and more sustainable energy solutions that benefit the environment. We believe that energy should not only be efficient but also environmentally responsible, leading to a healthier planet for future generations. We envision a future where everyone, regardless of their background, has access to opportunities that enhance their livelihoods and enable them to contribute to their communities. Through our efforts and initiatives, we hope to foster a culture of sustainability and community engagement, ensuring that our growth benefits both the environment and society as a whole.
I strive to create a ripple effect, empowering women to return to their communities and families with a renewed sense of purpose. That’s something I’m proud of and something my younger self would be too. I’m also proud of my courage to keep dreaming and working towards those dreams, no matter the challenges.
On the social front, we are committed to empowering marginalized communities, particularly women and youth, by providing them with opportunities to actively participate in the LPG industry. By engaging these groups in the value chain, we aim to foster economic growth, create jobs, and drive social equity.
Starting a new business, especially in industries dominated by big players, is far from easy. It requires tenacity, courage, and a bold, daring spirit. However, we are the generation that does not back down. We don’t give up. Let’s keep pushing forward.
