CEO Voice - March 2026
Dear SAWEA Members,
As we close the first quarter of 2026, I do so on a particularly meaningful note. Today marks my final day serving as CEO of the South African Wind Energy Association.
The first quarter of the year has been a busy and productive one for the wind sector. Industry engagement around the implementation of the IRP2025 (43GW of wind by 2042) continued to intensify, with strong contributions from across the value chain to ensure that wind energy remains central to South Africa’s least-cost, reliable and sustainable energy future. Discussions around localisation, grid expansion, and market reform have also gathered momentum as the sector works with government and stakeholders to unlock the next phase of renewable energy deployment.
The Ministers IRP Colloquium reflected growing alignment across government, regulators and industry. Not only on the future electricity mix, but on what is required to deliver it. The IRP remains the country’s central planning instrument, but its success will depend on the efficiency of permitting, the pace of grid expansion, predictable procurement and the coordination of institutions responsible for implementation. For the wind sector, this sharpens the priority. Planning frameworks must convert into executable pipelines.
At the same time, the progression of the South African Wholesale Electricity Market (SAWEM) signals a fundamental shift in how electricity will be traded and valued. Recent multi stakeholder engagements are an important step in shaping a credible implementation pathway, with the next phase focused on operational readiness over the coming 12 to 18 months. Clarity on timelines, market rules, and participation frameworks are needed for a well-functioning market which will support efficient system operation and unlock new investment pathways, but only if it is both practical and investable.
These conversations reflect something that has become increasingly clear over the years: wind energy is no longer a future opportunity for South Africa. It is a present-day pillar of the country’s energy transition, economic development, and industrial growth.
As I reflect on my tenure at SAWEA, I am deeply proud of the role the association has played in helping shape this progress. Together with our members, board, staff and partners, we have strengthened the industry’s voice, built meaningful partnerships with Government and contributed to creating an enabling environment for wind energy investment in South Africa.
Over this period, we have seen the industry mature significantly. SAWEA has played a central role in shaping policy and planning frameworks through sustained engagement on the market reform processes. At the same time, we have elevated platforms such as Windaba to foster collaboration, share knowledge and increase investment across the sector.
The journey has been one of collective effort. The success of the wind industry in South Africa rests on the commitment of the SAWEA members - a broad community of developers, manufacturers, financiers, engineers, policymakers and advocates who have worked tirelessly to move the sector forward. It has been a privilege to work alongside so many dedicated professionals who believe in the value that wind energy brings to our country.
As I step away from my role, I would like to thank the SAWEA team, our board members past and present, and the many stakeholders who have supported the association’s work over the years. I am also confident that SAWEA remains in capable hands. I wish the new Board every success as they guide the association through the next phase of industry growth, and I extend my full support to the Interim CEO, Ms Titania Stefanus-Zincke as she steers the organisation during this transition.
While today marks the end of my time at SAWEA, it certainly does not mark the end of my commitment to South Africa’s energy transition. I may be stepping off this particular platform, but I remain firmly on the field. I look forward to continuing to support the sector and the broader transition from a different position, contributing wherever I can to the shared goal of a sustainable energy future for South Africa.
Thank you for the opportunity to have served this remarkable industry.
Warm Regards,
Niveshen Govender
CEO
