The Southern African Energy Efficiency Confederation (SAEEC) Energy Awards, Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) Top Student Awards, and AEE Certification Ceremony took place at the start of October to celebrate local achievements in energy efficiency and sustainability.
The annual SAEEC ceremony recognises excellence in sustainable energy, honouring individuals and organisations that drive innovation, improve efficiency, and make significant contributions across the energy sector.
Meanwhile, the AEE Top Students Awards and Certification Ceremony typically recognises outstanding students in energy-related fields and celebrates their achievements. Awards may be based on academic excellence, leadership, community service, and contributions to the energy sector.
Honouring VIP guests
Robyn Vilakazi from the Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA) was the esteemed guest speaker at the event in Benoni, sharing insights on the future of energy efficiency and the critical role of training and development in the industry.
At the event, Prof. Sampson Mamphweli from SANEDI and Mfundo Xulu ka Dlamini from the Department of Public Works were honoured as VIP guests, recognising their contributions to advancing energy practices in South Africa.
Mfundo Xulu ka Dlamini received the prestigious SAEEC 2024 Energy Efficiency Hall of Fame Award for his outstanding contributions to the field of energy efficiency and sustainability. The award, presented by the SAEEC, recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in promoting energy-efficient practices.
2024 SAEEC Energy Awards winners
And the winners are…
- Energy Service Company (Esco) of the year: SEM Solutions (winner) | LTM Energy (runner-up)
- Commercial Energy Project of the Year: SEM Solutions (winner) | LTM Energy (runner-up)
- Industrial Corporate Company of the Year: Energy & Combustion Services (winner)
- Industrial Energy Project of the Year: Kraaifontein Wastewater Treatment Plant – SEM Solutions (winner) | Chipkins Longmeadow project – Sinani Energy (runner-up)
- Innovative Project of the Year: SEM Solutions (winner)
- Energy Innovator of the Year: Hendrik Smith (winner)
- Energy Management Leadership ISO50001: Duduzile Makhathini (winner)
- Young Energy Professional: Nqobile Ngcobo (winner) | Simphiwe Mokonza (runner-up)
- Female Energy Professional: Elizna du Toit (winner) | Dr. Zenzile Rasmeni Masipa and Soorparmah Devi Poorum
- Energy Professional of the Year: Mark Vorster (winner) | Reabetsoe Kgoedi (runner up)
Special Recognition Awards 2024:
- Energy Educator of the Year: Ngoanathari Maja
- Energy Efficiency Legend in Energy: Ferdi Becker
- Energy Efficiency Hall of Fame: Mfundo Xulu ka Dlamini.
The Winners of the 2024 SAEEC Energy Awards will be entered into the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) International and Regional Awards. International winners will be notified by mid-2025 directly from the United States.
