The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association – SAPVIA – steps into a new decade of solar with a changing of the guard in a newly elected Chairperson and the appointment of a new CEO.
Chanda Nxumalo takes on the role of Chairperson of SAPVIA, bringing a track record of 13 years’ experience in the renewable energy and power sector. She has worked in technical, business development, and executive capacities in African, American, and European markets. Nxumalo holds a Masters degree in Engineering, Economics and Management from the University of Oxford. She has served as Spokesperson and Vice-Chair for SAPVIA and is currently Director of Harmattan Renewables, a consultancy focused on providing technical, commercial and environmental advisory services as well as asset management for renewable energy projects across sub-Saharan Africa.
As recently announced, Dr Rethabile Melamu has been appointed as the new CEO of the association and will work alongside the new chairperson and the newly elected MANCO. A chemical and environmental engineer by training, Dr Melamu is well known for her international expertise in the green economy and energy sectors and she is dedicated to sustainable development in Africa.
SAPVIA is a member-led organisation which was launched in 2010 specifically to grow the solar PV sector’s role in powering South Africa’s future. The association advocates, engages and influences on behalf of members to harness the power of solar PV and capitalise on the opportunities it offers companies, individuals and the broader South African economy.
“I am delighted to take on the role of Chairperson at SAPVIA and it will be my pleasure to serve alongside our new CEO and our MANCO. The association is only as strong as our members and together we have achieved so much, but we must work harder to ensure that this new decade of solar realises its full potential,” said Nxumalo.
“Solar PV continues to demonstrate that it is the least-cost, quickest-to-build option for power generation and we must work to ensure that it contributes even more to the economic upliftment and empowerment of individuals and communities. I am confident that our membership base has the experience, expertise and dynamism to deliver another decade of solar that maximises the opportunities for our members and for South Africa.”
The association’s 10th Annual General Meeting also saw the introduction of six new members to SAPVIA’s management board (MANCO): Frank Spencer (Bushveld Energy); Lena Chirwa (Enel Green Power SA); Maloba Tshehla (ED Platform); Melissa Hill (juwi Renewable Energies); Adv Mtho Xulu (Nashua Group); and Phemelo Mitchell (SunElex Group). These new members will serve a two-year term, ending at the AGM in 2024.
“The new board has a wealth of knowledge and expertise and we are grateful for their willingness to commit their time, energy and expertise to building SAPVIA and the PV industry. I look forward to working with them as well as stakeholders across the energy sector and in government to deliver value to our members, the public sector and South African citizens,” said Dr Melamu.
Other members of the board will remain in office for the second year of their two-year terms: Chanda Nxumalo, Daniel Goldstuck, DeVilliers Botha and Sunette Smith. The AGM also marked the stepping down of several board members who have worked to professionalise the association and ensure that SAPVIA is a trusted partner to government. Dr Rainer Nowak has given 10 years of service, Dr Richard Doyle – three years of service, Norman Moyo two years of service and Wido Schnabel – MANCO member since 2013 and Chairperson from 2019 to 2022. Wido Schnabel performed the role of Chairperson alongside his role as Head of Strategic Alliances & Business Development for the Middle East and Africa at Canadian Solar.
“I am stepping down from my role as Chairperson at a time of great change for the association. But I know and trust that the operational team, with our new CEO at the helm, will ensure that we capitalise on the opportunities for solar PV. I must thank the Secretariat for their support throughout my tenure, and to the MANCO, who have all given of their time voluntarily, you have my deepest gratitude.”
For more information visit: www.sapvia.co.za
