Niveshen Govender has been appointed CEO of the South African Wind Energy Association (Sawea). Govender takes the lead at a pivotal time in the country's energy transition, with the sector having contributed more than 3.4GW of installed capacity, R80.5 bn in inward investment, and 30,000 jobs realised.
Niveshen Govender, CEO, Sawea
“The wind energy sector can do even more. Building on the learnings, it is time to map out and analyse the local manufacturing landscape, looking at the local strengths and capabilities and capitalise on them to reap potential benefits and forge a new era that will witness the industry playing its part in the country’s economic recovery,” says Govender.
“Some of my immediate efforts will be afforded to maintaining key stakeholder relationships, advocating for an enabling policy and regulatory regime, encouraging the transformation and localisation agenda to contribute to the energy transition, building research and information sharing capabilities, promoting representation by managing the membership and enhancing the organisation's operations,” explains Govender, who has an extensive understanding of policy directives as well as industry capability.
Sawea operates as a common law, voluntary, not-for-profit association that represents the South African wind industry, led by a board that is primarily concerned with issues of governance and strategy.
With 12 years in the green economy environment, Sawea believes that in this new role, Govender will be able to capitalise on his diverse knowledge and depth of experience, which ranges from carbon management and climate change to flagship energy project implementation as well as formulating and applying energy policy.
