MUNICIPALITIES are at a pivotal juncture, with energy demands increasing and costs rising on the one hand, while on the other, there are opportunities to participate in a new generation of energy independence and self-sufficiency.
Modern power generation, storage, management, and transmission innovations bring the energy market closer to municipalities, which distribute around 40% of the country’s electricity, according to the OECD, and where over half the country’s energy is consumed, according to the CSIR. Municipalities are well-positioned to shape South Africa’s energy future, a trend that attracted hundreds of professionals and vendors, including WEG, to the 71st Convention of the Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities (AMEU).
“The AMEU Convention is at the right place and time for South Africa’s energy. It’s the place to create partnerships with people from municipalities and energy companies. It’s about sharing knowledge and growing and building relationships, getting to understand what municipalities are looking for, as well as showcasing what WEG offers in products, expertise, and local manufacturing,” says Jan-Frederik Viljoen, director of WEG transformer division.
Long heritage
Hosted at the East London International Convention Centre from 5 to 8 October 2025, the AMEU Convention attracted hundreds of visitors from across the country. Established in 1915, AMEU is an association of electricity distribution utilities and commercial companies providing goods and services to electricity distribution utilities in Southern Africa. It promotes quality of service and management excellence among its members in the field of electricity supply, and it facilitates communications between energy stakeholders in Southern African markets.
The 2025 convention hosted opening addresses from AMEU President, Nndwamato Tom Mutshidza, and the Executive Mayor of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Princess Faku. Attendees also enjoyed keynotes from the Minister of COGTA Velenkosini Hlabisa, the Minister of Electricity Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and the CEO of Nersa Adv Nomalanga Sithole.
The convention hosted numerous presentations and discussions around municipal opportunities and challenges related to energy. Themes leaned towards realising the capabilities of energy innovation and digital capabilities, such as smart technologies, artificial intelligence, data farming, and self-healing systems. Several sessions also provided pragmatic insights, such as 1MW solar roof installations, skills development, women’s growing prominence in the electricity sector, and developing business models to leverage the just energy transition.
Powering Africa today for tomorrow
WEG regularly attends AMEU conventions, returning again this year. The 2025 convention also marked the return of WEG as an exhibitor after a long absence which enabled the company to focus on collaborating with municipalities and other energy stakeholders, according to Gareth Stanford, transformer & generator sales specialist at WEG.
“Where there’s a lack of critical skills in a specific area, that’s where we can help our municipalities and provide solutions that are standard, in line with local regulations, and overcome the challenges that they have in terms of putting together standards, specifications, and technical requirements. We then ensure their investments keep delivering with our after-sales support and collaborations.”
WEG’s Africa group exhibited at the event, showcasing products such as power transformers, generators, solar panels and inverters, battery energy storage systems, mobile substations, and e-houses. The WEG team also discussed numerous technical and business services, ranging from finance, skills access, maintenance, and aftersales support to electricity wheeling, PV solutions, and energy efficiency. The company said it appreciated the unique opportunities of the AMEU convention to sit face-to-face and engage directly with prospective customers, showing how WEG is powering Africa today for tomorrow.
“Municipalities want to create energy efficiency and sustainable growth through service delivery. There is a real spirit of building and rebuilding. But they must contend with issues like ageing infrastructure and skills shortages. We want to assist them in those goals through our global R&D, excellent technology, technical experience, reliable equipment, support, and aftersales services. We have dependable networks and contractors, free training, and local manufacturing for quick and cost-efficient delivery,” says Dillon Govender, business development for the public sector at WEG.
“The AMEU Convention was an excellent networking opportunity to stay relevant and to keep abreast of the latest technologies and developments in our industry. It’s also beneficial to have a space where different vendors can gather. Competition is good and creates a stronger market that serves the municipalities which play a crucial role in maintaining electrical supply at a local level. We appreciated the chance to show what we can do and offer them,” said Viljoen.
