Meet Refilwe Sebothoma the Woman Empowering Communities Through Clean Energy

In a country where millions still struggle with energy poverty and limited economic opportunity, Refilwe Sebothoma stands as a powerful force of change. Armed with grit, vision, and a passion for uplifting others, she has built not one, but two thriving enterprises aimed at transforming lives from the ground up. Through her companies Hakem Energies and PBM Group Refilwe is not just doing business; she is driving a social and economic revolution.

A Childhood Spark Ignites a Lifelong Mission

Refilwe’s journey is deeply rooted in personal experience. Growing up, she watched her grandmother run a small cooking business that relied on hazardous fuels like wood, coal, and cow dung. This early exposure sparked a fire in her to one day find a better, safer way for families like hers to access energy. That spark grew into Hakem Energies, a company founded with a bold mission: to eradicate energy poverty by making clean, affordable liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) accessible to South Africa’s low-income communities.

Creating Jobs Through Purpose-Driven Enterprise

But Refilwe didn’t stop there. She believes that true empowerment is about more than access it’s about dignity, opportunity, and independence. With this in mind, she launched PBM Group, a supplier of quality workwear, safety footwear, and corporate clothing. PBM Group not only equips workers and professionals with what they need to succeed it also fuels local economic participation by creating jobs and fostering enterprise.

Recognition for a Visionary Leader

Her dual commitment to community upliftment and economic transformation has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, Refilwe received the Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award, a prestigious recognition of her trailblazing work in the energy sector and her dedication to building a more inclusive future. It was a defining moment for a woman who has spent her life making impact her business model.

Academic Excellence Meets Practical Impact

Refilwe’s academic journey is just as impressive as her entrepreneurial one. With a BSc Honours in Financial Engineering Mathematics and Finance from the University of Pretoria, she possesses the rare combination of analytical precision and strategic foresight. She further honed her expertise through qualifications in Business Development Management (University of Cape Town), NHC Accounting (University of Johannesburg), and Occupational Safety and Health (SAMTRAC) from NOSA. This rich educational foundation underpins her success and sharpens her ability to tackle complex challenges, especially in underserved sectors.

Tackling Energy Poverty Head-On

Her work is more than just innovation it’s a response to a crisis. Energy poverty affects over 3 million households in South Africa, limiting access to education, healthcare, and economic progress. Refilwe tackles this head-on by providing sustainable energy alternatives that empower families and reduce environmental risk.

Empowering Communities, One Step at a Time

At the heart of Refilwe’s philosophy is a powerful belief: When you empower individuals, you empower entire communities. Whether through clean energy or dignified workwear, she is creating ripple effects that reach far beyond business.

Refilwe Sebothoma is not just building companies; she’s building hope. Her journey reminds us that with purpose, resilience, and community at the core, entrepreneurship can be one of the most powerful tools for social transformation.