Vision for Wind power in South Africa: My Vision, while perhaps somewhat idealistic, would be for the Country to have regulatory reforms that further facilitate the growth of the wind energy industry, to have an increase in local manufacturing in order to create decent jobs, to have investment in grid infrastructure to allow for increased deployment of renewable energy solutions and ensure energy security, to have the wind energy sector as a driver of further industrial growth and development in the Country – the wind resource is plentiful, my Vision is that the different levers would be perfectly placed to harness it for progress.  

What makes SAWEA relevant? The importance of the work that SAWEA does cannot be understated. As the preeminent voice of the Wind energy industry in South Africa, advocating for the development and progress of wind energy technology and the practices and policies that make that advancement possible, serving as in information and knowledge hub for credible industry information as well as creating spaces for dialogue and engagement amongst the various stakeholders; be it government, industry players (and related parties), investors as well as academia through various events, initiatives and publications. SAWEA becomes all the more relevant as the renewable energy industry in South Africa has seen significant growth over recent years and the need for progressive policy adoption, credible information, advocacy and promotion of sustainable development (economic and environmental) has become crucial particularly in the South Africa context. 

Why would you encourage someone to become a member? I would encourage organisations (and or individuals) to become members to advance the important work that SAWEA is doing, from the perspective of funding the Association, keeping it sustainable to be able to accomplish the work that so desperately needs to be done. Furthermore, endorsement of the Association gives credence to its work and objectives; sending a strong signal to local (and international) stakeholders and investors that the voice of the association is that of the industry at large.  

Employment / Company / Designation: Enel Green Power, Southern Africa Head of Communications 

Years of experience in energy or related sectors: Over 7 years 

Role within the industry: As a proponent of progress, representing a specific demographic, as one might expect, I strongly believe that representation matters, particularly in places and spaces where there is (or has historically been) stark underrepresentation – whether it be women or POC. Having worked in the RE industry for almost eight years, I’ve come to understand the value and importance of having diversity represented particularly in rooms where crucial decisions are made. Diversity of thought, diversity of experience and diversity of expertise – this provides for a much more robust engagement and leads to more progressive outcomes (as studies have shown). As a young, female African I see my role in the industry as being one of the voices of diverse representation, leading for development and progress. And being part of the industry as its going through significant growth and shifts, I see us [collectively as industry players] as custodians of the industry, the ones that bear the responsibility to facilitate its growth and ‘educate’ those on the periphery about the industry, whether it be young people who are considering future careers; media  - who are reporting on the industry, society in general (particularly in this age of misinformation), as well as global audiences as they watch the development of industry in South Africa, specifically the renewable energy sector. While my professional expertise might not be technical in nature, it certainly is of value to the growth and development of the industry.