Dr. Mamoloto Tlabela, PhD – Host of the Green Planet
Meet the Host of the Green Planet Programme on CRW Radio
Dr. Mamoloto Tlabela is a pioneering advocate for sustainable energy and the environment. His journey, which included receiving a PhD despite overwhelming odds, illustrates persistence and determination. He is a well-known expert in Solar PV energy and works as an Independent Technical Advisor, lecturer, and entrepreneur to advance renewable energy solutions in South Africa and throughout the African continent.
Dr. Tlabela is the founder of Mamoloto Technologies (SOLAR PV 4.0) and SOLAR ACADEMY SOUTH AFRICA, two prominent institutions in the Solar PV sector. He has also created a training curriculum for Business Skills South Africa (BSSA), which he frequently utilises to coach Solar PV enthusiasts. As a Renewable electricity thought leader, his experience has been critical in mentoring SMMEs and providing electricity access for marginalised regions.
Dr Tlabela, the host of the Green Planet Programme on CRW Radio, takes his enthusiasm for a better future to the airwaves, educating listeners and motivating action for environmental sustainability.
Dr. Mamoloto Tlabela is a multidimensional expert whose work has a significant influence in sectors such as renewable energy, education, and personal empowerment.
Additional Information
Work and Achievements
Renewable Energy Advocate and Practitioner
Dr. Tlabela manages Mamoloto Technologies, a South African solar firm that operates in the solar PV market. The company is actively involved in the South African solar sector, focussing on breakthrough technologies such as Solar PV 4.0.
Verification and Inspection Services: They conduct extensive onsite evaluations for solar projects, issuing Certificates of Compliance (CoC), and confirming that the systems satisfy industry standards. Their experience includes installations ranging from 3kW to 50kW rooftop systems, mini-grids and solar farms, demonstrating a thorough understanding of solar technology.
Training and Capacity Building: As part of their work with the Business Skills for South Africa Foundation (BSSA), Dr Tlabela created a specialised solar training curriculum for SMMEs in the North-West Province. This project, part of the Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) program and backed by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), provides small enterprises with the skills they need to succeed in the solar sector.
Academic Contributions
Dr. Tlabela is a master’s and PhD research supervisor, as well as an external examiner, at Cranefield College, where he helps to nurture future researchers.
Public Education: Through their association with SOLAR ACADEMY SOUTH AFRICA and as host of the Green Planet Programme on CRW Radio, they raise awareness of sustainability and green energy among a broader audience.
Community Leadership
He uses his skills to empower local people, particularly in the North-West Province, by increasing access to solar energy and promoting small business growth. His work aligns with addressing unemployment and poverty by equipping individuals and businesses with sustainable skills.
Current Projects
Writing the Book: The One-Eyed Professor – A Reflective Episode
This autobiographical narrative follows Dr. Tlabela’s extraordinary journey from growing up in impoverished South African areas to reaching academic and professional success. Losing one eye to diabetes at an advanced quinquagenarian age of 58 adds a captivating depth to their story of perseverance, tenacity, and achievement. The book’s purpose is to inspire people to overcome barriers and achieve their dreams. The book follows his earlier book titled: “Contemplations and Nostalgia of POVERTY – An Emblematic Alkebu-Lan Village Veracity.”
Educational Initiatives
Creating and improving solar training programs to suit changing industry demands.
Cranefield College’s postgraduate students are receiving assistance on themes related to sustainable development.
Strategic Industry Projects
Mamoloto Technologies is moving closer to implementing a formal contract system, which would improve operational structure and scalability. Continuing to provide technical consulting services for Business Skills SA, such as providing compliance reports and checking installations.
Vision and Legacy
Dr. Tlabela’s work highlights the intersection of technical knowledge, education, and social effect. His activities help to boost South Africa’s renewable energy sector while simultaneously promoting community development and individual empowerment. The upcoming book and ongoing projects demonstrate their dedication to leaving a legacy of resilience and growth.
We hope you enjoyed the article, you can read more articles about Green Planet here and there will be more regular weekly articles from the new Green Planet series coming soon.
