On a recent visit to Power Process Systems’ manufacturing facility in Aeroton south of Johannesburg, Electricity + Control had the chance to gain an inside view of the work this South African original equipment manufacturer does.
PPS supplies a range of robust and fully fitted electrical enclosures to meet the needs of electrical distribution utilities.
Established in 1993 as a small family-owned business, Power Process Systems (PPS) began producing electrical enclosure solutions to safeguard utilities’ infrastructure. Through over 30 years of continuing innovation, the company has established a reputation for transforming everyday engineering challenges into purpose-designed solutions that are used locally and internationally. It has grown to meet market demand and operates facilities in Johannesburg and Cape Town where it combines design, precision manufacturing, and advanced material engineering to produce robust, secure, and intelligent enclosures that meet the needs of municipalities and utilities.
Innovation born from necessity
The PPS story began when Eskom recognised the widespread risk presented by damaged and unsafe street-level kiosks in Alexandra, Johannesburg. The exposed electrical wiring was a hazard, especially for children, and for the equipment. At the time, replacing all the kiosks was not feasible and PPS was tasked with finding a creative, cost-effective alternative.
“We developed a solution in the form of a ‘shroud’ which could be placed over the entire kiosk and locked to the existing structure. Eskom then used these to cover all unsafe street boxes,” says Nhlanhla Zondo, Director at PPS.
That practical innovation laid the foundation for what would evolve into PPS’s flagship product, the smart I-Kiosk, a fully fitted meter and distribution kiosk that became a world-first solution in intelligent, anti-vandal infrastructure protection.
Evolving to serve South Africa’s utilities
From its early fibreglass enclosures to today’s advanced steel and composite solutions, PPS has consistently aligned its products with the needs of the industry. “As the industry matured, we recognised the need to produce safer, stronger, and more cost-effective products. We have adapted accordingly and always maintained the quality of our solutions,” says Zondo.
He notes further that as the rise of electricity theft and vandalism became a national concern, it had a crippling effect on revenue collection and asset protection – and it extended more broadly across public utilities’ infrastructure in an environment of corruption and collusion within some municipal structures.
That was when PPS developed the I-Kiosk, an intelligent, anti-vandal meter and distribution kiosk that provides structural protection with integrated access to real-time data and secure access control. It provides for the environment and access to the kiosk to be monitored and managed and for staff to be audited. “This innovation has transformed how utilities safeguard their assets,” Zondo highlights.
Local manufacturing, international impact
Today, PPS solutions are used to protect infrastructure owned by municipalities, utilities, and public entities across South Africa and beyond. Its product range, including pole boxes for overhead reticulation and slam-lock kiosk designs, is redefining how infrastructure safety and operational efficiency are approached.
“As a local OEM, we are proud to offer real value for electrical distribution operators,” says Zondo. He adds that every PPS product is manufactured locally, using South African materials and labour. “This means PPS is playing a role in developing key technical skills and building local manufacturing capacity.”
The company’s workforce of nearly 200 direct employees and over 300 indirect employees, together withs its skills development programme, helps to address the country’s high level of unemployment, particularly among the youth.
With the energy sector in transition, PPS is positioning itself for the next phase of growth. The company is exploring diversification in areas such as renewables, decentralised energy generation, and advanced metering infrastructure where it can play a role.
“The electricity distribution industry is undergoing major changes,” Zondo notes. “We are excited about the opportunities ahead for new technologies, new markets, and new partnerships.” Even as it expands its horizons, PPS remains grounded in the values that have sustained it for more than three decades: innovation, quality, empowerment, and a deep commitment to South Africa’s development.
“Electricity plays a critical role in driving economic development and improving people’s livelihoods. Our products play a critical role in ensuring that electricity is delivered safely to users, and in turn Eskom and municipalities can enhance their revenue protection mechanisms,” Zondo concludes.
For more information visit: www.ppspower.co.za
