About us

Hakem Energies was founded on a simple,radical belief:
that energy should empower, not exclude

From urban centres to rural villages, we are working to make clean LPG energy a basic right—not a luxury.

Our approach is holistic. We serve not only households but also a broad range of commercial clients—from restaurants and resorts to funeral parlours, taxi ranks, and mining operations. Whether in bulk or bottles, we deliver safe, certified LPG energy that keeps industries moving and communities thriving.

But it doesn’t stop there. We partner with local women and youth to distribute our LPG, investing in entrepreneurs and building capacity from the ground up. We see every flame lit, not just as energy delivered, but as possibility ignited.

Meet our leadership team

Strategic expertise you can trust

Our leadership team brings decades of combined experience in LPG supply chain management, infrastructure development and community-centred energy projects. This expertise makes us a strategic partner; not just a supplier. We understand the operational, financial and regulatory nuances of clean energy transitions, and we bring that insight to every client engagement. 

Whether you’re designing an energy strategy for a mining site, upgrading a hotel’s kitchen systems or piloting clean energy in a rural school, Hakem Energies brings the right blend of technical know-how and heart-centred impact to your team.

Refilwe Sebothoma

Founder and CEO

Refilwe Sebothoma, Founder and CEO

A committed and detemined entrepreneur and business-woman, Refilwe was born and raised in the mining community of Marikana in the North West. 
 
Refilwe’s purpose is deeply rooted in impacting and empowering the lives of ordinary people. She believes in the transformative power of empowerment, envisioning a ripple effect as individuals, equipped with self-sufficiency, return to their communities to replicate that impact.
 
As the CEO of Hakem Energies, Refilwe is driving not only the company but the sector forward – partnering strategically with businesses and corporates to transition them to green clean energy, whilst championing access to clean energy in the communities that need it the most. 

Chris Mataboge

Business Development Director

Chris Mataboge, Head of New Business Development 

Chris is an innovative and creative thinker who gets inspired by challenges. 
 
As the head of new business development, he works directly with new prospects and clients to unlock value and drive project efficiencies. Chris additionally drives industry best practice across contracts, including linking directly to SDG objectives and impact to ensure that projects are rolled-out strategically and responsibly. 

Irshaad Hoosen

Chief Operating Officer

Irshaad Hoosen, Chief Operating Officer

Irshaad brings over 25 years in operations across retail, logistics and hospitality sectors.

With a strong focus in driving efficiency and building cohesive teams, he is passionate about problem-solving and fostering a culture of openness and understanding. 
 
He works directly with clients to drive project efficiency and cost-effectiveness through systems, processes and continuous improvement, making him a trusted and respected contributor and strategic resource on key contracts. 

Creating legacy impact

Our commitment to fuelling a better tomorrow is lived each day

Hakem founder standing in front of truck filled with LPG gas

Empowering the transition to cleaner energy

We’re transitioning corporates toward environmental stewardship and sustainable development. We’re helping them to power industries, drive innovation and build a cleaner, more prosperous future.

Clean energy for healthier homes

We replace dangerous paraffin and wood burning with clean-burning LPG: improving air quality and reducing health risks.

Economic empowerment through entrepreneurship

Our local distributor model creates jobs, upskills individuals and builds resilient local economies.

Community education and safety awareness

We educate communities – especially women and children – about LPG safety, turning every home into a safer space. Our focus on these vulnerable groups is helping to address social tragedies like firewood rape directly.

Sustainability and environmental stewardship

By moving away from biomass and open fires, we reduce deforestation and improve environmental outcomes.

We’ve already been recognized for our efforts and contributions in these spaces, having received the following awards: