Earth Day: Property Point’s Greenpreneur lights the way in renewable energy, empowering local communities
Sicelo Mthombeni, Founder of Dumaliwe
‘We provide solutions that reduce emissions, and transition to cleaner energy sources.’ – Sicelo Mthombeni, Founder of Dumaliwe.
International Earth Day affords us an opportune moment to reflect on our collective responsibility to preserve our environment, and the resources within it. In the context of climate change Property Point’s Greenpreneur programme is pleased to offer support and capacity to innovative entrepreneurs, such as Sicelo Mthombeni, who are leading the charge toward sustainable change.
As the founder of Dumaliwe, a renewable energy services company, Mthombeni is at the forefront of South Africa’s renewable energy movement, providing communities and businesses with sustainable power solutions and the tools to reduce their environmental footprint. With a background in electrical engineering, Mthombeni’s entrepreneurial journey was sparked by a desire to apply his expertise on a broader scale.
“I reached a point where I felt I had hit the ceiling,” he reflects. “I wanted to test my capacity and take my skills to the next level by starting something with limitless capabilities.” This bold decision led to the establishment of Dumaliwe, which now offers a diverse array of services, including solar PV designs and installations, energy management and audits, energy performance certification, solar thermal solutions, network engineering, and compliance inspections for industrial machinery and hazardous locations.
As the energy sector undergoes a transformation both nationally and globally, the company leverages its skilled and experienced team of engineers and technicians to deliver professional services to clients seeking affordable, reliable, and predictable energy solutions through solar photovoltaic technology.
Dumaliwe is more than just a business; it is driven by a mission to contribute meaningfully to environmental preservation and sustainable development. For Mthombeni, Earth Day is not merely a symbolic occasion; it serves as a daily reminder of the company’s purpose. “We provide solutions to our clients that allow for more efficient use of their resources, reduce emissions, and transition to cleaner energy sources. It’s about taking care of our home, Earth, because there is no Planet B.”
One project that encapsulates Dumaliwe’s impact took place in an informal settlement, where the team implemented a DC electrification solution. Using a simple 12V solar-powered system, they brought basic lighting and mobile charging capabilities to a previously unpowered community. “It might seem small, but seeing people’s faces light up literally was priceless. It improved safety, comfort, and dignity,” says Mthombeni.
The journey of entrepreneurship is not without its challenges. Transitioning from a salaried position to the uncertainties of running a business has required significant financial and personal sacrifices. “When starting out, you’re the CEO, the CFO, the admin, everything. It’s exhausting, but necessary to make your vision real,” he explains. Overcoming skepticism associated with newer technologies has also been a hurdle. “People stick to what they know, and changing mindsets is tough. We need more awareness and stronger will from policymakers to implement the green solutions that already exist.”
Mthombeni demonstrates a deep commitment to sustainable practices. Dumaliwe actively minimizes its own environmental impact by prioritising virtual meetings to reduce transport emissions, minimising paper use, and implementing energy efficiency mechanisms. “Profit means nothing if it comes at the expense of human well-being,” he emphasises. “Our employees’ safety is a cornerstone of how we work.”
He also raises a crucial point about the ethical dimensions of green technology. “Sustainability isn’t just about the environment. We need to look at the socio-economic aspect and ask, ‘where do our materials for the equipment come from’? Are communities being exploited for the extraction of mineral resources in our electronic devices and gadgets? Solving one problem shouldn’t create another.”
As a participant in the Greenpreneur Programme by Property Point, a business accelerator supporting eco-entrepreneurs. Mthombeni reflects on his experience; “It’s been incredibly valuable. Beyond technical knowledge, it creates a community of like-minded people. There’s networking, collaboration, and a sense of security that comes from knowing you’re not alone.”
As he continues to expand Dumaliwe, Mthombeni maintains his unwavering conviction that sustainability and profitability are inextricably linked. “We’re here not just to build a business but to leave a legacy. One that powers people’s lives, protects the planet, and promotes progress.”
This Earth Day, as we reflect on our role in preserving the planet, let us be inspired by the work of entrepreneurs like Sicelo Mthombeni and Dumaliwe, who are lighting the way to a greener future, one solar panel at a time.
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