Stepping into a second decade of success in promoting the solar photovoltaic industry in South Africa, the South African Solar Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has elected a new board.
SAPVIA represents players across the solar PV value chain, advancing the renewable energy sector in South Africa.
SAPVIA recently hosted its Annual General Meeting virtually, bringing together players from across the solar PV and renewables value chain. The association this year celebrates 10 years of pushing the boundaries in the renewables sector through its proactive policy advocacy and lobbying efforts. It has been at the forefront of transforming South Africa’s economy and energy sector. The board and members have adapted to the rapidly changing industry and are embedding best practice to create a world-leading renewables sector.
The AGM held on 18 May saw the election of three new board members: Sunette Smith of Reatile Group, DeVilliers Botha of Solareff, and Daniel Goldstuck of SOLA Group; and returning for a second term are Chanda Nxumalo of Harmattan Renewables and Richard Doyle of juwi Renewable Energies. Outgoing board members are Jo-Anne Dean, Boitumelo Kiepile and Vuyo Ntoi.
“We are so grateful for the continued support of the members and their willingness to commit time, energy and expertise to building the solar PV industry in South Africa,” says Niveshen Govender, Chief Operating Officer of SAPVIA.
The new board members will join current Chairperson, Wido Schnabel, of Canadian Solar, Rainer Nowak of Webber Wentzel, Norman Moyo of Distributed Power Africa, Frank Spencer of Bushveld Energy, and Maloba Tshehla of ED platform to complete the 10-member board.
SAPVIA’s growth over the past 10 years reflects the flourishing renewables sector and from just six members a decade ago, the association now boasts 544 members across the solar PV value chain.
“Our ambition is to support and attract members who are as diverse as the industry itself. We have restructured our membership categories to promote inclusivity and diversity. This is supported by our working groups, through which we are fostering networking and knowledge sharing, encouraging the participation of all industry players to address challenges facing the industry.”
SAPVIA is now recognised as the go-to point of contact for all things related to solar PV. The recently launched Solar PV Industry Jobs Report, which was commissioned by SAPVIA and undertaken by the CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) shows the potential increase in employment that solar PV offers and the future projection that could become a reality with the continued rollout of renewable energy and solar PV across South Africa.
The association continues to evolve to meet the needs of members. This is demonstrated most clearly through programmes like the PV GreenCard, PV Professionals, PV Spotter and PV Marketplace. These programmes support quality and safety in SSEG installation practices, enable information sharing and access to opportunities for new entrants, feature installed projects across the country, and showcase the best products and services to facilitate a localised marketplace that supports the South African economy.
“We have come a long way since our formation and as a body we step into this new chapter with a multitalented team steering us,” says Govender. “Our focus for the year ahead is navigating a post-Covid economic recovery that has renewables and solar PV at its heart.”
The new Manco members will serve a two-year term of office.
For more information visit: www.sapvia.co.za
