At its 2026 Annual General Meeting the South Africa Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) elected four new board members: Ms Caroline Nhlane (Enel Green Power SA), Mr Stephen Koopman (ENERTRAG South Africa), Ms Phemelo Mitchell (Pele Green Energy), and Mr Stephan van den Berg (Globeleq SA) have joined the board for a new term.
Stephen Koopman, newly appointed Chairperson of the SAWEA Board.
At the board meeting following the AGM, Stephen Koopman was appointed as Chairperson for a two-year term. Outgoing Chairperson, Ms Sunette Smith (Reatile Group), whose term as chairperson has come to an end, will continue to serve on the board as Treasurer for the 2026 financial year – with existing board member Mr Kevin Minkoff (EDF Power Solutions South Africa) constituting the full board.
The board appointments were announced during SAWEA’s AGM towards the end of February 2026. At the AGM the association also released its third annual report.
"As the energy sector undergoes significant market reform, I am honoured to take on the role of chairperson at this critical time. Over the past decade, the wind energy industry has demonstrated its ability to deliver reliable, utility-scale power, reduce generation costs, and contribute to South Africa’s decarbonisation goals,” Koopman says.
Reflecting on the sector’s decade of progress, he adds: "Looking ahead, opportunities lie in scaling grid integration, advancing hybrid renewable solutions, and strengthening partnerships to ensure wind energy continues to play a transformative role in the country’s energy mix and its sustainable development."
The board remains confident in SAWEA’s strategic direction.
SAWEA’s outgoing CEO, Niveshen Govender, expressed confidence in the new leadership team, noting their role in advancing the Association’s 2026 priority areas to strengthen South Africa’s wind energy sector. Govender is currently serving his notice until April 2026, and the board assures members that a clear succession framework is in place to ensure seamless integration of his successor.
Highlights from the 2025 Annual Report
Released under the theme ‘From gridlock to growth’, the 2025 Annual Report reflects a period of intense engagement, institutional strengthening, and purposeful leadership as SAWEA worked alongside government, industry, and partners to unlock the next phase of sectoral growth.
Key milestones
- An IRP 2025 allocation of 43 GW of wind by 2042, averaging roughly 2.7 GW per year is a positive market signal for investors.
- The 2025 edition of the South African Renewable Energy Grid Survey (SAREGS 2025) identified 72 GW of renewable projects (wind and solar PV) at advanced development stages, ready for grid connection within seven years. This alignment with IRP2025’s 71.7 GW target over 16 years indicates that the sector is ahead of schedule. SAREGS further highlighted the acceleration of Battery Energy Storage projects to complement renewable integration.
- The launch of three industry reports in 2025: SAWEA’s inaugural Market Intelligence Report, Project Development Guideline, and Gender Diversity Guideline – strengthening industry capability, transparency, and inclusivity.
- Responding to regulatory and policy developments was a core element in 2025 with 15 industry responses being submitted to key government departments and regulators.
- Supporting knowledge sharing and capacity building within the industry, SAWEA hosted 30 expert speakers at standing committee meetings.
- Approval of the Wind Turbine Operator Skills Programme (NQF Level 3 – Grade 11 Equivalent): An accredited course providing unemployed youth with pathways into the wind energy sector, opening career opportunities for individuals with no prior technical experience.
- Support for SAWEM School cohorts in 2025 and 2026: Expanding knowledge of the South African Wholesale Electricity Market.
- Improved BBBEE status: Advancing from Level 4 in 2024 to Level 1 in 2025 – a significant governance and transformation milestone aligned with board priorities.
Looking ahead
Over the past decade, the wind energy industry has proven its capacity to deliver and SAWEA has designated 2026 as a further Year of Implementation.
“The strength of SAWEA lies in the collective expertise and commitment of its members. I look forward to working closely with industry leaders, policymakers, and communities to accelerate the growth of wind energy and ensure the sector delivers meaningful economic and social benefits for South Africa,” says Koopman.
The coming years will demand decisive action to translate policy intent into infrastructure delivery and project execution, ensuring wind energy continues to play a central role in South Africa’s energy transition.
For more information visit: https://sawea.org.za/