SAPVIA Announces New Governing Committee to Strengthen Strategic Leadership

The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) is pleased to announce its newly appointed Governing Committee. Representing the entire solar value chain and bringing together a broad and diverse set of skills, this team marks an important milestone in strengthening the Association’s leadership as South Africa’s solar PV industry continues to expand and play an increasingly significant role in the country’s energy security.

As the representative voice of South Africa’s solar PV industry, SAPVIA is committed to advancing an enabling environment for sustainable industry growth through policy advocacy, technical leadership, stakeholder collaboration and skills development. The Governing Committee plays a central role in providing strategic oversight, promoting sound governance and ensuring the Association remains responsive to the evolving needs of its members and the broader energy sector.

Commenting on the appointments, Dr Rethabile Melamu, Chief Executive Officer of SAPVIA, said:

“We look forward to working alongside our committee to solidify solar PV’s role in delivering affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity. Our newly appointed Governing Committee brings the leadership, experience and strategic perspective needed to guide the Association through in the defining period to achieve goals set in the IRP 2025 and this transition towards an electricity wholesale market. I have absolute confidence that under the Governing Committee we shall strengthen collaboration across the sector, and ensure we continue delivering meaningful value to our members, stakeholders and the country. South Africa’s energy transition is entering a defining phase, As the voice of the solar PV industry, SAPVIA must continue to lead with credibility, foresight and purpose.”

 

The newly appointed SAPVIA Governing Committee comprises:

Office Bearers

  • Adv. DeVilliers Botha – Chairperson
  • Adv. Mtho Xulu – Deputy Chairperson
  • Dr Wale Aboyade – Treasurer
  • Mr Frank Spencer – Spokesperson
  • Mr Jonathan Frick – Deputy Spokesperson
  • Ms Antje Klauss-Vorreiter – Deputy Spokesperson

Commissioners

  • Mr Khotso Selokoma
  • Mr Mike Mangnall
  • Ms Ziska McGilton
  • Mr Prenesen Govender

 

Collectively, the Governing Committee brings together extensive expertise from across the solar PV value chain, spanning engineering, project development, finance, governance, legal, policy and strategic communications. Working closely with the SAPVIA Secretariat, the Committee will provide strategic oversight, strengthen organisational governance and support the Association in advancing its strategic priorities.

Adv. DeVilliers Botha, Chairperson of the SAPVIA Governing Committee, said:

“The solar PV industry has a unique opportunity to contribute to South Africa’s energy security, economic growth and decarbonisation ambitions. Our focus is to ensure SAPVIA continues to provide strong, member-focused leadership by promoting good governance, fostering collaboration and supporting an environment that encourages investment, innovation and sustainable industry growth. Together, we will build on SAPVIA’s strong foundations while positioning the Association to meet the opportunities and challenges of the future.”

The Association also extends its sincere appreciation to the outgoing Governing Committee members Nicola Cencelli, Claude Peters and Mantwa Mathebula for their dedication, leadership and service. We wish them every success in their future endeavours.

As South Africa continues to accelerate its transition towards a cleaner, more resilient and sustainable energy future, SAPVIA remains committed to fostering industry collaboration, advocating for progressive policy frameworks, and driving the growth of solar PV as a cornerstone of the country’s energy mix.

Ends