Municipalities throughout South Africa are facing rising energy demands and increasing costs – as well as opportunities to participate in a new market of energy independence and self-sufficiency. Modern power generation, storage, management, and transmission innovations bring the energy market closer to municipalities.
WEG Africa showcased a range of its products including power transformers, generators, solar panels and inverters, and more.
According to the OECD (in its economic survey of South Africa 2025)[1] municipalities distribute around 40% of the country's electricity and research undertaken by the CSIR indicates they are where over half the country's energy is consumed [2]. Hence, municipalities are positioned to play an instrumental role in shaping South Africa's energy future. This is why partnerships between energy companies and municipalities are becoming increasingly important.
Together with many other electricity professionals and vendors, WEG Africa participated in the 71st convention of the Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities (AMEU) in October 2025.
"The AMEU Convention is the place where municipalities and energy companies come together to share knowledge, build on existing relationships, and form new partnerships, where we can understand what municipalities are looking for, and showcase what WEG offers in products, expertise, and local manufacturing," says Jan-Frederik Viljoen, Director of the WEG Transformer Division.
The 2025 convention, held at the East London International Convention Centre, shared opening addresses from AMEU President, Mr Nndwamato Tom Mutshidza, and the Executive Mayor of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Ms Princess Faku. Additionally, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and the CEO of NERSA Adv Nomalanga Sithole delivered keynote statements. These led into the numerous presentations and discussions around municipal challenges and opportunities related to energy supply and distribution, new technologies, digital capabilities and the Just Energy Transition.
Gareth Stanford, Transformer & Generator Sales Specialist at WEG, says being present at the AMEU Convention gave WEG the chance to re-engage with municipal players and to understand their needs. "Where there's a lack of critical skills in a specific area, we can help municipalities and provide solutions that are standard, in line with local regulations, and overcome the challenges they have in terms of putting together standards, specifications, and technical requirements. We also provide after-sales support to ensure their investments keep delivering, performing as required."
WEG Africa showcased a range of products such as its power transformers, generators, solar panels and inverters, battery energy storage systems, mobile substations, and e-houses. The WEG team also discussed technical and business services, ranging from finance, skills access, maintenance, and after sales support, to electricity wheeling, PV solutions, and energy efficiency. Events like the AMEU convention offer the opportunity to sit face-to-face and engage directly with prospective customers, showing what WEG can deliver and how it works.
"Municipalities want to create energy efficiency and sustainable growth through service delivery. There is a real spirit of building and rebuilding. But they are contending with issues like ageing infrastructure and skills shortages. We want to assist them in reaching their goals, supplying the technology, technical experience, reliable equipment, support, and after-sales service, backed by access to our global R&D resource, where it’s needed. We have dependable networks and contractors, we provide training, and our local manufacturing facilities support quick and cost-efficient delivery," says Dillon Govender, Business Development for Public Sector at WEG.
Supporting municipal energy goals
“The 71st AMEU Convention demonstrated the enthusiasm and will among SA's electricity professionals to build the country's new energy era,” says Viljoen. “As well as providing a platform to showcase our offerings, it was an excellent networking opportunity, and a chance to keep abreast of the latest technologies and developments in our industry. It's also beneficial to have a space where different vendors can gather,” he adds. “Competition is good; it creates a stronger market to serve the municipalities which play a crucial role in maintaining the electricity supply at the local level. It was a chance for all industry players to connect.”
References
For more information visit: www.weg.net
