Sivuyisiwe N. N. Kuse

Leveraging my expertise in energy, policy, sustainable development, and social impact, I provide strategic insights and hands-on support to organisations addressing complex challenges in Africa. Notable Projects:

Event Coordinator & Consultant: Power Futures Lab, UCT GSB

• Served as one of the coordinators for the inaugural Africa Institute for Sustainable Energy and Systems Analysis (AISESA) Hybrid Workshop, bringing together policymakers, academics, and industry leaders to discuss climate, energy and sustainability in Africa.
• Managed logistics, including venue coordination, accommodations, and hybrid event integration.
• Drafted communications and collaborated on speaker coordination, ensuring effective documentation and post-event reporting.
• Contributed to the governance portion of AISESA, supporting the development of a transdisciplinary collective for evidence-based energy system decisions in Africa.

Consultant: Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity (SOGI) Community of Practice

Utilised social listening tools (e.g., Brandwatch) to track harmful narratives and build strategies for advocacy.

Participated in a closed conference in Kenya to collaborate with SOGI organisations across Africa, addressing violence, inequality, and societal exclusion within LGBTQ+ communities

Established and lead a community-based digital publication featuring op-eds and podcasts on diverse societal issues, including climate change, energy security, violence, mental health, gender equity, sustainable fashion and more. Key responsibilities include:

• Curating and managing a periodic publishing schedule, ensuring engaging and thought-provoking content from experts across fields.
• Overseeing editorial processes, maintaining high-quality standards and timely delivery.
• Organising events fostering intellectual exchange, knowledge dissemination, and networking among experts and readers.
• Managing the website and all social media.

Demonstrated expertise in content strategy, community engagement, and amplifying diverse perspectives on critical global challenges.

Played a pivotal role in designing and executing projects aimed at countering mis/disinformation, divisive online rhetoric, and promoting social cohesion and democratic stability. Leveraged advanced social media analytics tools (e.g., Brandwatch, DataEQ) and qualitative research to deliver actionable insights and strategic solutions across sectors. Key Achievements & Contributions:

Just Energy Transitions Project:

• Conceptualised and led the project from inception to execution, including stakeholder engagement, resource allocation, and relationship management.
• Directed comprehensive research and data analysis efforts, producing insights to support equitable energy policies.
  Facilitated high-impact webinars such as “Interpreting a Framework for Just Energy Transitions.”

Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Project:

• Co-designed and implemented a research framework to address online narratives affecting LGBTQ+ communities.
• Led training sessions for country coordinators on digital tracking tools and hosted in-person workshops across Africa.
  Coordinated reporting and stakeholder engagement, ensuring measurable project outcomes.

COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence Project:

• Led multi-country research initiatives to assess vaccine sentiment, developing targeted interventions across six African nations.
• Collaborated with WHO, UNICEF, and the SA Department of Health on the Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) initiative.
• Published vaccine confidence reports on platforms such as sacoronavirus.co.za, contributing to South Africa's national health campaigns.

Defending Our Democracy Initiative:

• Conducted in-depth research and data analysis to support initiatives safeguarding democratic integrity in South Africa.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Convening:

• Contributed research and insights to the 2022 South African Partners Convening, driving meaningful dialogue on social impact strategies.

Throughout my tenure, I demonstrated a consistent ability to deliver high-quality research, strategic recommendations, and stakeholder engagement, addressing critical challenges in energy, public health, and digital ecosystems.

Supported South Africa’s low-carbon energy transition by contributing to the design and execution of the Just Urban Transitions initiative, which focused on sustainable and inclusive urban energy solutions. Key Contributions:

Project Design & Strategy:

• Assisted in project conceptualisation, aligning objectives with South Africa’s energy transition challenges and providing strategic insights to ensure impactful outcomes.

Digital Outreach & Communications:

• Coordinated website design and development to create a user-friendly, informative platform.
• Developed and implemented social media strategies to enhance project visibility and stakeholder engagement.

Event Management:

• Assisted with the realistion of an impactful workshops and webinar series in collaboration with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), WWF South Africa, partner universities and more.
• Managed logistics to ensure seamless virtual and in-person events, fostering knowledge sharing among stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Built and maintained strong relationships with key partners to advance collaborative goals and promote sustainability.

Consistently demonstrated strategic insight, operational excellence, and a commitment to advancing sustainable urban energy solutions.

Led initiatives to represent and advance the interests of political science students across Africa and the MENA region, focusing on critical issues such as climate change, energy, gender policy, and regional security. Transitioned from Vice-Chair to Chairperson, driving strategic vision, project management, and stakeholder engagement. Key Contributions:

• Designed and executed regional projects, including research initiatives, fundraising efforts, and policy reports aligned with IAPSS’s mission.
• Organised and delivered the IAPSS-UN75 Virtual Dialogue on “Youth, Peace, and Development in Africa,” ensuring seamless coordination, impactful discussions, and comprehensive outcome reporting.
• Fostered collaboration across committees and stakeholders to implement sustainable and impactful programs.

Demonstrated effective leadership, strategic thinking, and a commitment to addressing complex regional challenges, elevating IAPSS’s influence within Africa and the MENA region.

Contributed to impactful projects focused on infrastructure, electricity investment, reform, and sustainable development in Africa and emerging economies. Progressed from Research Intern to Outreach and Coordination Lead for the Power Futures South Africa project, where I played a key role in driving energy policy reform and stakeholder engagement. Key contributions

• Power Futures South Africa Project: Led data collection and analysis to inform policy advocacy, while coordinating outreach and engaging diverse stakeholders (labor, civil society, academia, media, and government).
• Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry: Developed systems to synthesize and digitise data for the Eskom State Capture Inquiry, enhancing transparency and accountability.
• Conducted research and co-authored reports on renewable energy auctions, energy security, climate resilience, just energy transition, and power sector reform.
• Organised and coordinated webinars, short courses, and major conferences, including the Africa Energy Forum (Mauritius) and Africa Utility Week (Cape Town).

Consistently demonstrated expertise in policy advocacy, event coordination, research, and sustainable energy solutions, contributing to capacity-building and the advancement of Africa’s energy sector.