Page 32 - Energize June 2022

NEWS

SAPVIA appoints new CEO capacity can catalyse the implementation

of the country’s sustainable development
imperatives, invigorate industrial activity,
and deliver meaningful socio-economic
he South African Photovoltaic value to its citizens,” said Dr Melamu.
Industry Association (SAPVIA) is “As a trusted partner to government,
Tstepping into the next decade of I foresee SAPVIA and key stakeholders
solar with a new CEO at the helm. increasingly contributing towards the
SAPVIA has appointed the creation of conducive business and
internationally recognised thought regulatory environments that will unlock
leader, Dr Rethabile Melamu as CEO, market opportunities along the solar PV
effective from May 2022. value chain for the benefit of SAPVIA’s
A chemical and environmental members and the broader sector.”
engineer by training, Melamu has SAPVIA is a member-led organisation
become renowned for her international formed with the express purpose of
expertise in the green economy and growing the solar PV sector’s role in
energy sectors. She has leveraged both powering South Africa’s future. The
the theoretical and practical to harness Association advocates, engages and
innovative smart technologies to mitigate influences on behalf of members to
the impact of climate change in society, harness the power of solar PV and
with a dedicated focus on African capitalise on the opportunities it offers
sustainable development. Dr Rethabile Melamu companies, individuals and the broader
Melamu also brings on-the-ground South African economy.
experience developing sub-national leadership, leveraging credible market “Solar PV should play a leading role
energy, green economy and public sector intelligence and curating a best practice in the just transition, not least because
strategies and policies from inception to solar PV value chain” said Wido Schnabel, it can be adapted and harnessed for
implementation. SAPVIA Chair. individual households across South
Recognised most recently as one of Dr Melamu was most recently general Africa, for large commercial and
the “Women Who Are Changing South manager of Green Economy at The industrial usage and everything in
Africa in the Public Sector”, Dr Melamu’s Innovation Hub where she managed a between. It is vital that we highlight
private and public sector technical portfolio of 40 green economy start-ups the potential of solar PV to deliver
and strategic leadership experience is that develop and commercialise clean-tech sustainable and secure electricity for all
sure to be an asset to SAPVIA as the solutions and technologies that contribute and I have no doubt that Dr Melamu’s
Association charts a forward path to to climate change mitigation and experience and energy will ensure we do
continue growing the solar PV sector’s adaptation as well as the creation of much so in the years ahead,” added Maloba G
role in South Africa’s energy future, in needed employment opportunities. Tshehla, SAPVIA spokesperson.
collaboration with government, the She was also Acting Chief Director: She will be supported in her role by
private sector and other stakeholders. Sector and Industry Development at the SAPVIA MANCO, Secretariat as well
“As we celebrate a decade of solar the Gauteng Department of Economic as the wider membership base.
in South Africa, it is fitting that we have Development where she led the “I strongly value collaborative
at the helm of the Association a driven, development of eleven economic sector partnerships. I plan to nurture existing
experienced and powerful advocate for strategies to ensure that the province partnerships and foster new ones that
renewable energy. Dr Melamu comes to was transformed, modernised and re- will deliver value to our members, the
SAPVIA with an outstanding track record industrialised. In her time at the Gauteng public sector and the country’s citizens.
of delivery. She will lead the organisation Department of Economic Development, I would like to bolster SAPVIA’ position
into a new era of growth, focussing our Melamu also spearheaded engagement as the go-to organisation for all matters
strategic direction and ensuring that with private and public sectors, locally and relating to the development, regulation
our members capitalise on the local and internationally, to stimulate the growth and promotion of solar PV in South Africa
regional solar markets.” of the Green Economy in the Gauteng and sub-Saharan Africa,”
“Dr Melamu’s experience and insight province.
will ensure that we take SAPVIA and “I am delighted to take on the role of Contact Kim Thomas, SAPVIA,
solar PV in South Africa to the next CEO and I have no doubt that unlocking Phone 021 200-5856, kim@sapvia.co.za,
level, developing a culture of thought largely untapped renewable energy www.sapvia.co.za

energize | June 2022 | 30