CEO Voice - March 2023

Dear Members,

The country has witnessed interesting positive development in the energy sector during the first quarter of 2023. The highlight being the significant appointment of Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. SAWEA is currently engaging with his office to discuss areas of possible collaboration and support for the wind energy sector and vice versa. We are motivated by the positive response and willingness from his office, and we should see this as the country’s commitment to providing an energy secure future.

The SAWEA/SAPVIA Grid Task Team continues to champion the “Grid Capacity Allocation Rules.” Eskom’s received feedback from the rules and they are consolidating and considering the feedback. Following the convening of the Grid Code Advisory Committee (GCAC) on the 09th of March 2023, as we understand, it was concluded that the committee did not support the rules.

As the world celebrated International Women’s Day this month, a cohort of women (20) comprising the 2023 class of the Management Development Programme for Women in Renewable Energy, were welcomed at the inaugural launch on the 23rd of March 2023.  Designed by the Wits Business School for the industry, this programme aims to create the future leaders of South Africa’s transitioning energy landscape. This is initiative led by SAWEA through the collaborative Gender Diversity Working Group (GDWG) with SAPVIA and Energy & Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA), who are predominantly funding this program. Gender diversity remains a key priority for us.

From a human capital point of view, this month, we welcomed SAWEA’s Chief Communications Officer, Morongoa Ramaboa (Ms) to the team and she will be responsible for the management of SAWEA’s integrated marketing and communication. We remain committed to building a strong SAWEA team.

We further remain committed to advocating for the wind energy sector to ensure that South Africa’s energy security challenges are addressed adequately with all renewable energy sources being taken into consideration.

Kind regards,
Niveshen Govender
CEO, South African Wind Energy Association