By BAKANG MOKOTO
24 July 2025- The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has announced its newly-elected governing committee, following its recent Annual General Meeting on 3 July 2025. SAPVIA said its committee blends continuity and innovation, with outgoing Treasurer, Advocate Mtho Xulu, being elected as the new Chairperson, supported by the returning Deputy Chairperson, De Villiers Botha and new Treasurer, Nicola Cencelli.
SAPVIA CEO Dr Rethabile Melamu, said the communications team remains under the guidance of Spokesperson, Frank Spencer, with Antje Klauss-Vorreiter and Jonathan Frick, serving as Deputy Spokespersons.
“The association also acknowledges the continued contributions of returning governing committee members whose experience ensures institutional stability. View all governing committee members here: Governing Team – SAPVIA.
“The Board welcomes Mike Mangnall, MD of PNE, strengthening its 10-member team of Solar PV experts representing developers, manufacturers, financiers, and policymakers.
“They assume responsibility at a pivotal moment for South Africa’s energy sector, as solar power is poised to play an increasingly central role in the national energy mix,” said Melamu.
She further said under this new leadership, SAPVIA is positioned to not only maintain, but accelerate its critical work in advancing South Africa’s solar revolution. Melamu added that, they are confident that their collective expertise, energy and will drive transformative progress in our sector.
Xulu said: “Having served as Treasurer, I understand both the economic and strategic priorities of our industry. As Chairperson, I am committed to ensuring SAPVIA leads the charge in policy advocacy, skills development, and industry transformation to unlock solar energy’s full potential.”
Meanwhile, Norman Moyo, concluded his term as Chairperson having established SAPVIA as the preeminent voice of South Africa’s solar industry. During his tenure, the association achieved exponential membership growth, played a pivotal role in shaping national Solar PV policy and implemented transformative skills development programs.
The Guardian 