Working Groups

Working Group (WG) members are expected to be actively involved in working to achieve the Association’s purpose. Membership of WGs can be revoked at any time if members are deemed to be inactive. Please refer to WG Guidelines for further details.

 

Assets Working Group

Assets

The Assets Working Group serves as a collaborative platform for asset managers operating in the wind energy sector in South Africa. Its primary objective is to facilitate discussions on the critical issues pertaining to the operation and maintenance of Wind Farms. By bringing asset managers together, the working group creates an environment where they can share insights, propose potential solutions, and collaborate on addressing common challenges. The working group provides a valuable opportunity for asset managers to exchange knowledge and expertise. Members can share their experiences, lessons learned, and best practices, enabling a collective effort to enhance the operation and maintenance of Wind Farms. Through this collaborative approach, the working group aims to improve efficiency, optimize performance, and maximize the lifespan of wind energy assets.

Chair: Pieter Oosthuizen (Assets@sawea.org.za)

Deputy Chair: Wendy Parsons 

 

Economic Development Working Group

The Economic Development Working Group (EDWG) functions as a vital platform for economic development practitioners, social scientists, community development workers, and skills training officers within the renewable energy sector in South Africa. This group provides a central hub where industry professionals can converge to address key issues related to economic development. The EDWG is committed to advancing the field of economic development within the renewable energy sector. Through meaningful discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaborative efforts, participants within the group have the opportunity to exchange insights, develop innovative solutions, and enhance the overall economic impact of the industry.

Chair: Celiwe Mabaso (ED@sawea.org.zacmabaso@bterenewables.com)

Deputy Chair: Takalani Maswime 

 

Environmental Working Group

Content

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) functions as a collaborative platform for various environmental practitioners, including environmental managers, consultants, inspectors, and developers, to engage in discussions pertaining to the environmental aspects of wind energy projects. Within this group, participants have the opportunity to address specific issues and exchange insights related to environmental considerations in the wind energy sector.

Chair: Liandra Scott-Shaw - (Environmental@sawea.org.zalscottshaw@slrconsulting.com)

Deputy Chair: Matthew Law 

 

Finance Working Group

The Finance Working Group (FWG) is a platform specifically designed for asset managers, financial managers, and tax experts operating within the wind energy sector. The FWG places its primary emphasis on financial activities encompassing the entire lifecycle of wind projects, which include development, construction, and operational/asset management phases. By centering its efforts on this critical aspect, the group serves as a centralized hub where industry professionals can convene, address a multitude of financial-related matters, and seize potential opportunities. Participating members of the FWG engage in substantive discussions, exchange valuable insights, and collaboratively devise effective strategies that are custom-tailored to meet the unique financial requirements of wind projects. Through the promotion of a cooperative environment and the sharing of knowledge, the group strives to enhance overall financial efficiency, optimize investment strategies, improve risk management practices, and maximize the profitability of wind projects throughout South Africa.

Chair: Johan Bleeker - (johan.bleeker@mainstreamrp.com

Deputy Chair: Shahier Adams

 

Gender Diversity Working Group

The Gender Diversity Working Group (GDWG) provides a platform for human resource managers/practitioners and workplace counsellors in the renewable energy industry to address the gender diversity gap. Recognizing the importance of fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities within the sector, the GDWG serves as a central hub for stakeholders to collaborate and strategize on promoting gender diversity. Within the GDWG, human resource managers/practitioners and workplace counsellors have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange insights, and develop innovative solutions to address the challenges associated with gender diversity in the renewable energy industry. By fostering an enabling environment that promotes equality of opportunities, the group aims to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Chair: Nomfundo Mbijekana (genderdiversity@sawea.org.za, nomfundo@mulilo.com)

Deputy Chair: Leticia Vos 

 

Manufacturers & Local Content (O&M) Working Group

The Manufacturers Working Group serves as a platform for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the wind energy sector to address specific manufacturing-related issues. Recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by these manufacturers, the group serves as a central hub where industry players can come together to address specific manufacturing-related issues. Within the Manufacturers Working Group, OEMs have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange valuable insights, and develop innovative solutions tailored to their manufacturing needs. By fostering an environment of cooperation and knowledge sharing, the group aims to enhance the overall efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability of the wind energy manufacturing sector.

Chair: Compton Saunders (manufacturers@sawea.org.za, csaunders@nordex-online.com)

Deputy Chair: Ozgur Ogul 

 

Policy & Markets Working Group

The Policy and Market Working Group (PWG) is a dedicated platform specifically designed for policy experts and legal professionals operating within the renewable energy sector. Its primary focus revolves around addressing policy and market issues within the renewable energy landscape in South Africa. The working group consists of specialized sub-working groups that are dedicated to tackling the challenges and opportunities associated with the energy mix, market structures, and responding to policies, regulations, or legislation. The overarching objective of the PWG is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the policy and market dynamics that directly impact the renewable energy sector in South Africa. Through an examination of current policies and existing market structures, the group endeavors to identify potential areas for growth and investment while also recognizing any potential barriers that may impede the sector's development.

Chair: Kai Howie [Policy@sawea.org.za]

Deputy Chair: Aniqah Misbach 

 

Skills Working Group

The Skills Working Group (SWG) is a dedicated platform for project managers, training providers, skills development experts, training and education specialists, human resources professionals in the wind energy sector. The purpose of SWG is to addresses the shortage of expertise within the wind energy sector. Its primary objective is to cultivate a pool of fresh talent, offer training opportunities to professionals, and promote the retention of skilled individuals within the industry. The SWG recognizes the critical importance of bridging the skills gap in the industry. Through rigorous skills gap analysis, the group identifies the specific areas where expertise is lacking and tailors its efforts to address these gaps effectively. By understanding the skill requirements of the wind energy sector, the group can develop targeted initiatives to meet the industry's workforce needs.

Chair: Mamoso May - (mamoso.may@dorperwindfarm.co.za)

Deputy Chair: Riccardo Buehler 

 

Technical Working Group

The Technical Working Group (TWG) is a dedicated platform that brings together technical advisors, engineers, renewable energy professionals, and experts with the aim of identifying and addressing technical obstacles that hinder the successful implementation of wind energy in South Africa. This group serves as a central hub where industry specialists can collaborate to devise effective strategies to overcome these challenges. The TWG recognizes the importance of adapting global technological trends and industry practices to suit the specific requirements and conditions of South Africa. By staying abreast of the latest advancements and best practices in the wind energy sector worldwide, the group can ensure that the implementation of wind energy projects in the country is optimized and aligned with international standards.

Chair: Brendan Argent (Technical@sawea.org.zabrendan.argent@edf-re.co.za)

Deputy Chair: Tshepo Tshivhasa