Dr. Rethabile Melamu

Job Title
Chief Executive Officer
Company
South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA)
Country
South Africa

Dr. Rethabile Melamu is a sustainability professional and a leader in the green economy sector. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), where she drives initiatives to promote clean energy and sustainable development across the country. Dr. Melamu holds a PhD in Chemical and Environmental Engineering from the University of Cape Town and brings over 18 years of experience in clean energy, environmental sustainability, technology commercialization, and the green economy. Her leadership experience spans several key roles, including Chairperson of the Water Research Commission and Trustee of the Mandela-Rhodes Foundation. She has also provided strategic insight as a Non-Executive Director across multiple private and public sector boards. Additionally, Dr. Melamu has held senior management roles, where she has successfully developed and implemented policies and strategies in energy, sustainability, and technology commercialization. As a thought leader, Dr. Melamu has authored numerous reports and thought leadership pieces on sustainability and green technologies. Her work has been widely recognized; in 2019, she was named one of Mail & Guardian's "Women Who Are Changing South Africa in the Public Sector." In 2024, she was also a finalist in the prestigious Standard Bank Top Women Awards, further underscoring her impact and leadership in the industry.

March 12, 2025Panel Discussion: Lighting the Way Forward for Solar in Africa

March 12, 2025Market Overview South Africa incl. PV Green Card

March 13, 2025Panel Discussion (incl. Short Presentations by Panelists on Their Journey)

Sessions
Session
Women in Renewable Energy: Driving Change in Solar, E-Mobility, Green Hydrogen and Carbon Markets

Thursday, March 13, 2025, 01:30 pm - 03:00 pm

Celebrate the vital role of women leading innovation and transformation in solar energy, e-mobility, and green hydrogen sectors as well as the carbon market. This session discusses challenges, and explores strategies to foster gender diversity and inclusivity. Join industry leaders and pioneers as they share their perspectives on empowering women to shape the future of sustainable energy and accelerate the global transition to a greener economy.

Session
Deep Dive South: Solar and Hydrogen Markets in South Africa and Namibia

Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 03:00 pm - 03:30 pm

Explore the vibrant energy markets of South Africa and Namibia in this comprehensive session. Gain insights into South Africa's solar landscape, including the PV Green Card initiative, and discover Namibia's groundbreaking hydrogen project led by Hyphen and Enertrag. Industry experts will discuss market opportunities, policy frameworks, and innovations driving sustainable energy in the region. Join us to unlock potential in Southern Africa's renewable energy sector!

Session
A Bright Future Ahead: Launch of the Africa Market Outlook for Solar PV

Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 11:15 am - 12:00 pm

The Global Solar Council (GSC) is proud to launch the first edition of the Africa Market Outlook for Solar PV at Intersolar Africa, in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Institute and with the support of GET.invest. This new report provides a comprehensive analysis of the continent's solar energy landscape to light the way forward on the path to realising Africa's solar massive potential. In the report, we look at current and forecasted solar PV installed capacity, highlighting key opportunities and challenges across Africa's diverse markets for the expansion of solar PV - from rooftop solar to utility-scale projects. With in-depth insights on 10 key African countries, the report provides a deep dive into national solar deployment trends, policy environments, and investment landscapes. It also explores emerging sectors such as solar-plus-green hydrogen and e-mobility, illustrating how these technologies can accelerate Africa's clean energy transition. This high-level launch event will bring together government representatives, industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to discuss the report's findings and chart a course for unlocking Africa's immense solar potential. Participants will engage in dynamic discussions on policy recommendations, financing strategies, and the role of solar in achieving a just and inclusive energy transition. As Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its clean energy journey, this event will serve as a catalyst for action, fostering collaboration between stakeholders to scale up solar adoption, drive innovation, and create sustainable economic opportunities. Join us to be part of shaping Africa's solar-powered future!

Service Menu
You are using an outdated browser

The website cannot be viewed in this browser. Please open the website in an up-to-date browser such as Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.