By Dickson Bandera | Harare
The Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) has honoured legendary figures from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) who played instrumental roles in shaping the region’s energy sector over the past three decades.
Held on the sidelines of the SADC Joint Meeting of Ministers of Energy and Water at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare, the glamorous awards gala marked SAPP’s 30th anniversary with an emotional and dignified tribute to past and present pioneers in energy planning, leadership, and regional cooperation.
The ceremony attracted a distinguished gathering of utility executives, engineers, planners, and administrators who have championed cross-border electricity trade, regional integration, and power sector reform since SAPP’s inception in 1995.
SAPP was established to coordinate the planning and operation of electricity generation and transmission among member utilities in the SADC region. Today, it stands as one of Africa’s most successful power pools, fostering energy security and sustainable development through interconnected systems and a robust electricity market.
Speaking at the event, the SAPP Secretariat described the moment as one to “recognise men and women in leadership who have made a significant contribution to the evolution and development of SAPP.”
Among those honoured was Eng. Edward Rugoyi of Zimbabwe, recognised for his extensive contributions, including the establishment of the SAPP Coordination Centre in Harare. Ms Kandali Lyambo of Namibia received special recognition as one of the few pioneering women involved in the formation of the SAPP Market—a landmark platform that enables electricity trading across borders.
Eng. Lovemore Chilimanzi of Zimbabwe, who chaired key SAPP committees in the early years, was also among those honoured while Mr Johnson Maviya, a former employee of the Coordination Centre, was recognised for his role in spearheading environmental management efforts within the Pool.
The awards gala served not only to celebrate past accomplishments but also to reflect on the shared vision that has driven three decades of regional cooperation in energy. A solemn tribute was paid to departed legends from across member states, whose contributions laid the foundation for today’s successes.
The SAPP also acknowledged contributions from those who could not attend, underlining the inclusive and pan-regional spirit of the organisation.
As Southern Africa navigates the growing need for sustainable energy and green transitions, SAPP’s model of unity and integration remains critical. The 30th anniversary gala was a timely reminder of what can be achieved through collaborative leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to regional progress.
List of Honourees
Present and Recognised at the Ceremony:
Mr Eduardo Nelumba – Angola
Mr Katai Kachasa – Zambia
Eng. John Kabadi – Tanzania
Dr Sydney Gata – Zimbabwe
Dr Pat Naidoo – South Africa
Dr Leake Hangala – Namibia
Dr Morgan Sithole – South Africa
Mr Braam Vermeulen – Namibia
Mr Semakale Gerard Lehloenya – Lesotho
Dr Allexon Chiwaya – Malawi
Mr Luke Mswane – Eswatini
Mr Mbuere Mbuere – Namibia
Eng. Edward Rugoyi – Zimbabwe
Ms Kandali Lyambo – Namibia
Eng. Lovemore Chilimanzi – Zimbabwe
Mr Johnson Maviya – Zimbabwe
Eng. Fernando Sousa – Mozambique
Mr Rhodney Sisala – Zambia
Mr Jacob Raleru – Botswana
Mr Alex Kadiyayi – DRC
Honoured in Absentia:
Ms Dolly Mokgatle – South Africa
Ms Erica Johnson – South Africa
Ms Monica Moeko – Lesotho
Ms Angela Dava – Mozambique
Ms Fatima Arthur – Mozambique
Ms Theresa Caroline – South Africa
As the Southern African Power Pool looks ahead to its next chapter, the legacy of these power sector stalwarts will remain a guiding light in the pursuit of reliable, affordable, and clean energy for the region.
