Latest news with #Phetla
IOL News
25-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
The commodore reshaping Africa's energy landscape
Tokologo Phetla, fondly referred to as The Commodore, is spearheading a transformative wave of innovation across the African continent. Image: Supplied. In the bustling heart of Sandton, 30-year-old Tokologo Phetla, fondly referred to as The Commodore, is spearheading a transformative wave of innovation across the African continent. As the founder and CEO of Commodore Industries, Phetla is not just building businesses; he is creating pathways for a brighter, self-sufficient Africa through energy, logistics, and industrial innovation. Commodore Industries, under Phetla's visionary leadership, has emerged as a formidable player in the renewable energy sector. The company focuses on last-mile renewable energy development and financing, crafting affordable and reliable energy solutions that are paramount for both public and private sectors. The organisation has diversified into coal, modular-based Small Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) systems, utility-scale battery energy storage, and vital transmission infrastructure, positioning itself at the core of Africa's energy future. Phetla's entrepreneurial journey began at the tender age of 17 with a fuel additives distribution venture aimed at improving fuel efficiency for taxis. His relentless hustle—rising at 3 a.m. to meet taxi drivers before heading off to school—marked the inception of a mission forged in creativity and purpose. "I see business as my artistic expression," Phetla recalls, 'a way to contribute to society and create jobs.' Over time, this initial motivation has evolved towards a profound purpose: Africa's energy sovereignty and internal trade. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Besides energy, Phetla is ambitiously expanding into logistics. Through Sharp Results Logistics, he offers comprehensive freight, rail, and supply chain solutions that drive intra-African trade and connectivity. Commodore Industries now employs around 390 people, reflecting a commitment not just to innovation but also to job creation—an urgent need in an economy beset by challenges like chronic unemployment. However, as Phetla navigates the whirlwind of entrepreneurship, he faces significant hurdles. His youthful age often results in skepticism, limiting the partnerships and deals he can initially engage in. Access to funding remains a crucial roadblock as well, particularly in a South African venture capital ecosystem that is still developing. 'The barriers are formidable,' Phetla admits. Yet, he remains undeterred, intertwining resilience with belief in his vision for a prosperous Africa. Looking forward, Phetla's ambitions for Commodore Industries are strikingly bold. He aspires to establish it as one of Africa's largest locally owned energy companies. 'By the time I turn 50, I aim to see Commodore listed on the stock exchange,' he revealed. This goal underpins a belief in sustainable growth that endures beyond its founders. Given the backdrop of South Africa's ongoing load-shedding crisis, Phetla's insights into the energy sector are both timely and critical. He emphasises that while tackling load-shedding is a pressing concern, the broader challenge lies in establishing a reliable and excess baseload power supply. 'Industrial expansion and economic stability directly correlate with energy availability,' he argues. Thus, he advocates for immediate action towards developing gas and nuclear power sources as essential replacements for aging coal plants to avoid future energy crises. Equally important to Phetla is the notion of a just energy transition. He envisions an inclusive energy economy where the benefits are widely experienced across all levels of society, rather than confined to a select few. 'We need to restructure our energy policies to ensure accessibility for all South Africans,' he emphasises. At the heart of his mission lies a compelling vision for the future of Africa—an industrialised continent, powered by energy sovereignty and equitable trade. For the young dynamo, industrialisation is not merely about factories and infrastructure—it is about dignity and creating pathways to economic opportunity. He advocates for decisive, bold action over passive policymaking, urging that every individual's right to employment, stability, and dignity be prioritised. In an era marked by challenges, Phetla stands out as a beacon of hope. With a mission to reshape Africa's economic narrative, his journey serves not only as an inspiration but also as a powerful catalyst for change. As the continent grapples with pressing issues, he beckons others to join him in rewriting Africa's story through strategic industrialisation and inclusive growth. BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
The Star
07-05-2025
- The Star
Family member among three arrested in Jane Furse nurse murder
In a shocking twist, police have arrested a close family member along with two other suspects in connection with the brutal murder of a 64-year-old Jane Furse nurse, Morudi Frank Phetla. Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said a joint operation on May 5 led to the arrest of two suspects in Gauteng — in Ekurhuleni, Kempton Park, and Tembisa — while the third was nabbed in Limpopo. " During the operation, a 49-year-old African female suspect was arrested at an estate in Kempton Park. Meanwhile, a 42-year-old African male suspect was apprehended in Tembisa. The team then travelled to Limpopo, where a 60-year-old woman was arrested in Jane Furse." The arrests follow the March 16 incident, when Phetla was kidnapped outside his home in the Zamane Section of Jane Furse around 7pm. His vehicle was later found idling with its headlights on, but Phetla was nowhere to be found, prompting the opening of a kidnapping case. Phetla's body was discovered the following day, on March 17, around 6am, by a shepherd under the Mabintana Bridge in Jane Furse. He had suffered fatal head injuries. Ledwaba stated that the motive for the murder remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing. He further stated that the trio are expected to appear before the Nebo Magistrate's Court today, facing multiple charges in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Phetla. " The suspects are facing charges of kidnapping, conspiracy to commit murder, and murder, " said Ledwaba. Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, commended the swift and coordinated efforts of the investigative team, which led to the timely arrests of the suspects. Hadebe further reiterated the SAPS's commitment to justice, stating that "no stone will be left unturned in uncovering all the circumstances surrounding these heinous crimes." The Star [email protected]
The Citizen
07-05-2025
- The Citizen
Nurse's kidnapping and murder: 3 to appear in Limpopo court
Nurse's kidnapping and murder: 3 to appear in Limpopo court A 60-year-old woman and two other suspects are expected to appear in the Nebo Magistrate's Court, Limpopo, today in connection with the kidnapping and murder of 64-year-old nurse Morudi Frank Phetla in March. According to Polokwane Review, the suspects face charges of kidnapping, conspiracy to commit murder, and murder. Their arrest follows a joint intelligence-driven operation on Monday, led by the Jane Furse Tracking Team and the Provincial Organised Crime Unit in Gauteng. Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the teams acted on credible information and raided several areas, including Ekurhuleni, Kempton Park, and Tembisa. 'During the operation, a 49-year-old woman was arrested at an estate in Kempton Park, while a 42-year-old man was apprehended in Tembisa. The team later arrested a 60-year-old woman in Jane Furse,' he adds. Ledwaba explains the arrests are linked to the events of March 16, when Phetla was kidnapped outside his home in the Zamane Section of Jane Furse. 'His vehicle was found idling nearby, but he was missing and a case of kidnapping was opened. Phetla's body was discovered the next morning under the Mabintana bridge by a shepherd. He had suffered fatal head injuries,' his statement reads. Police say the motive for the murder is still unknown and investigations are ongoing. The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commends the investigating team for their swift and co-ordinated efforts. 'No stone will be left unturned in uncovering the circumstances surrounding this heinous crime,' Hadebe adds. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
07-05-2025
- IOL News
Family member among three arrested in Jane Furse nurse murder
A close relative is among several suspects arrested for the brutal murder of nurse Morudi Frank Phetla. In a shocking twist, police have arrested a close family member along with two other suspects in connection with the brutal murder of a 64-year-old Jane Furse nurse, Morudi Frank Phetla. Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said a joint operation on May 5 led to the arrest of two suspects in Gauteng — in Ekurhuleni, Kempton Park, and Tembisa — while the third was nabbed in Limpopo. "During the operation, a 49-year-old African female suspect was arrested at an estate in Kempton Park. Meanwhile, a 42-year-old African male suspect was apprehended in Tembisa. The team then travelled to Limpopo, where a 60-year-old woman was arrested in Jane Furse." The arrests follow the March 16 incident, when Phetla was kidnapped outside his home in the Zamane Section of Jane Furse around 7pm. His vehicle was later found idling with its headlights on, but Phetla was nowhere to be found, prompting the opening of a kidnapping case. Phetla's body was discovered the following day, on March 17, around 6am, by a shepherd under the Mabintana Bridge in Jane Furse. He had suffered fatal head injuries. Ledwaba stated that the motive for the murder remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing. He further stated that the trio are expected to appear before the Nebo Magistrate's Court today, facing multiple charges in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Phetla. "The suspects are facing charges of kidnapping, conspiracy to commit murder, and murder," said Ledwaba. Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, commended the swift and coordinated efforts of the investigative team, which led to the timely arrests of the suspects. Hadebe further reiterated the SAPS's commitment to justice, stating that "no stone will be left unturned in uncovering all the circumstances surrounding these heinous crimes." The Star [email protected]
