The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has appointed a broad-based Electricity Market Advisory Forum (EMAF) to advise on the development and implementation of the country’s wholesale electricity market.

The forum, established in terms of Section 5 of the Electricity Regulation Act, will provide advice to the energy regulator on electricity market reform, including market codes, trading arrangements and associated regulatory instruments.

Nersa said on Friday that the EMAF would play a key role in strengthening stakeholder engagement and supporting regulatory decision-making as South Africa transitioned towards a more competitive and diversified electricity market structure.

The forum comprises representatives from regulatory authorities, State-owned entities, industry associations, academia, financial regulators and civil society.

Members appointed to the EMAF include Nersa’s Rhulani Mathebula, Eskom Holdings’ Mutenda Tshipala, Business Unity South Africa’s Letlhogonolo Tsoai, and representatives from the Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority, the Ferro Alloy Producers Association, the South African Electricity Traders Association and the South African Oil and Gas Alliance.

Academic and independent experts appointed to the forum include professors from the University of South Africa and the University of Johannesburg, as well as representatives from the Competition Tribunal, the Public Affairs Research Institute and environmental NGO The Green Connection.

Nersa noted that alternate members had also been appointed from Eskom and the Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities, and that the regulator retained the discretion to appoint additional members as the reform process progresses.

Nersa said the forum would help ensure that emerging market frameworks were robust, practical and aligned with the interests of consumers and the broader economy, while supporting the long-term sustainability of the electricity sector.

Members include:

• Mr Rhulani Mathebula – National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa)
• Mr Mutshidza Nndwamato – Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities
• Ms Letlhogonolo Tsoai – Business Unity South Africa
• Mr Mutenda Tshipala – Eskom Holdings SOC
• Dr Willem den Heijer – Ferro Alloy Producers Association
• Mr Shreelin Naicker – Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA)
• Mr Lovemore Chilimanzi – South African Electricity Traders Association
• Mr Craig Morkel – South African Oil and Gas Alliance
• Dr Nicole Loser – The Green Connection
• Dr Graeme Chown – Independent
• Prof Katleho Moloi – University of South Africa
• Prof Simon Roberts – University of Johannesburg
• Dr Thando Vilakazi – Competition Tribunal
• Dr Tracy Ledger – Public Affairs Research Institute

Alternate members include Prof Vally Padayachee (Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities) and MrTendani Mutshutshu (Eskom Holdings)