CEO Voice - April 2026
Dear Members,
April marks a period of transition – both for SAWEA and for the broader energy sector. As I step into the role of Interim CEO, I do so at a time when the pace of policy development, industry engagement, and system reform continues to accelerate. This presents both complexity and opportunity, and reinforces the importance of a coordinated, evidence-based approach to advancing the wind energy sector in South Africa.
As the industry moves into what is effectively a year of implementation, recent engagements across localisation, trade policy, and project development reflect a growing focus on the systems that will determine the pace of delivery. While momentum across the sector remains strong, real progress will increasingly depend on how effectively policy, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks align to support project execution at scale.
Over the past month, SAWEA has actively engaged in a number of key policy and regulatory processes that will shape the trajectory of the industry. The Localisation Support Fund OEM consultations, now positioned within the framework of the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan, represent a critical step towards grounding localisation ambitions in practical industry insight. These engagements reflect a growing recognition that localisation must be built on clear market signals, demand visibility, and an understanding of global supply chain dynamics, rather than on policy intent alone.
In parallel, ongoing consultations with the International Trade Administration Commission on proposed tariff adjustments for renewable energy components highlight the delicate balance between supporting local manufacturing and ensuring the continued pace and affordability of project deployment. As an industry, we remain aligned on the need for localisation to be demand-led and supported by sufficient scale, policy certainty, and enabling infrastructure.
Project development realities have also come into focus through challenges associated with met mast approvals, particularly in relation to obstacle assessments and the current constraints within the approval ecosystem. Delays in these processes have direct implications for project timelines, underscoring the need for streamlined regulatory pathways and stronger institutional coordination to support efficient project execution.
These engagements point to a broader priority for the year ahead: strengthening the enabling environment for implementation. Grid readiness, policy certainty, regulatory efficiency, and coordinated delivery mechanisms will be critical to ensuring that the sector is able to convert momentum into measurable progress. SAWEA remains committed to supporting this through continued advocacy, collaboration, and industry engagement as we work collectively to unlock the next phase of wind energy growth in South Africa.
Interim CEO’s Vision
I am honoured to step into the role of Interim CEO at SAWEA during this important phase for the wind sector. Having served on the Board, I deeply value the association’s mission and the trust placed in me. My focus will be on ensuring continuity, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and advancing the industry with credibility and impact. In the months ahead, I will prioritise reinforcing SAWEA’s role as a trusted voice in policy and regulatory processes, deepening collaboration with members, and ensuring that our collective efforts translate into measurable outcomes for the sector. This approach is designed to give confidence that SAWEA remains steady, strategic, and focused on delivering value to its members and the broader industry.
Warm Regards,
Titania Stefanus Zincke
Interim CEO
