Vision

"Energy People Working Together"

“Energy is at the root of all social endeavours.  Nothing can be achieved without it.  Sadly, for so many years, we have taken energy for granted.  We have used it indiscriminately in the apparent belief that reserves are infinite and we have been ignorant of the detrimental effects of inappropriate use.

Brian A Statham - Chairman

More recently the oil shocks of the seventies and the political turmoil in various parts of the world have alerted us to our dependence on energy and to the potential limits of traditional sources of energy.  Increasing awareness of the physical environment, and climate change in particular, has stimulated an enhanced awareness of the delicate balance that needs to be struck between the progressive development of mankind and the sustainability of the world in which we live.

The dilemma this balance represents is as acute in South Africa as it is anywhere else in the world.  We are in the process of tremendous social transformation and development of millions of people who have been deprived of access to the mainstream activities of the modern economy.  The demand for modern commercial energy to support this social and economic transformation will represent a growth in energy requirements greater than experienced in living memory.  On the other hand, as South Africa increasingly becomes a player on the global stage, we will be under pressure to exhibit environmental and energy custodianship in line with the most developed of nations.

SANEA, as a non-partisan, diverse energy association with international networks, has an opportunity, in fact an obligation, to make a significant contribution to charting a course for South Africa through this dilemma.  To deliver on this obligation will require strong and visible leadership from the Board of SANEA and the concerted effort of all SANEA members. 

This Business Plan sets out the first steps on this very important journey towards our vision of “Energy People Working Together” to achieve the sustainable supply and use of energy for the benefit of all."

Brian A Statham
Chairman

BUSINESS PLAN

Mission

"To promote the sustainable supply and use of energy."

Strategic Intent

“To be acknowledged as a credible centre of knowledge, expertise and opinion on energy matters”

Core Values

History

In 1923 an energy forum was established by power engineers from 24 countries.  The World Power Conference held in 1924 saw the establishment of a permanent organisation, now known as the World Energy Council (WEC) to continue dialogue on emerging energy issues.  Initially the WEC was orientated towards the electricity industry, involving representatives of power utilities.  However over the years the WEC evolved to become an "energy" organisation - incorporating all forms of energy.

Throughout its history, the WEC has been non-governmental and non-commercial and has thus been seen as objective and realistic in its analyses and agendas for action. In the 21st Century, we see the WEC continuing to grow and expand, building on its long and stable history as one of the key players in the global energy scene.

South Africa has been a member of the WEC since its inception.  Until 1997 the national committee was known as the South African National Committee of the World Energy Council (SANCWEC) and was housed in, and managed by, Eskom.  The Eskom Chief Executive was automatically the SANCWEC Chairman (past chairmen include Dr H J van der Bijl, Dr R L Straszacker, Dr Ian McRae, Allen Morgan).  A brainstorming session by SANCWEC members in 1996 resulted in a change in direction.

The changes initiated were to become more representative of the diverse energy sectors in South Africa, to rotate chairmanship through the energy sectors and to move away from Eskom Chief Executives assuming the role of chairman and to make a concerted effort to involve as many energy-related organisations in the activities of SANEA as possible.

During 1998 a new constitution was drafted and SANCWEC was formally renamed as SANEA.  1999 saw the election of the first Board under the new SANEA constitution and the cutting of administrative dependence on Eskom.  During 2000- 2003, SANEA substantially reviewed its business position within the context of becoming independent and viable in its own right.  This review process saw SANEA registering as a Section 21 Company (not for gain). 

Board of Directors and Management

SANEA is governed by a Board of Directors, elected by the members.  The current chairman of SANEA is Mr Brian Statham.

The Energy Studies Department at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) provides technical programme services to SANEA.

Van der Walt and Company has been contracted to provide secretariat services  to SANEA.

Marketecture have been contracted to provide marketing services to SANEA.