- Globeleq has appointed Stefan van Niekerk as its new Managing Director of Construction, effective 1 November 2025.
Van Niekerk brings more than 20 years of experience in Africa’s renewable energy sector, having contributed to the delivery of over 2 GW of solar, wind, and thermal assets across the continent. His background includes senior roles at Engie South Africa, BTE Renewables, Worley Kenya, and the landmark Lake Turkana Wind Power project. In his new position, he will oversee construction activities across Globeleq’s African portfolio and lead a team of Project Construction Directors.
Globeleq CEO Jonathan Hoffman welcomed the appointment, saying Van Niekerk’s experience and leadership will be crucial as the company scales up its energy infrastructure portfolio across the continent. Van Niekerk expressed enthusiasm about joining the organisation at a pivotal stage, emphasising his commitment to advancing Africa’s energy transition.
The leadership announcement coincides with a significant legal development involving the Ikamva Consortium, led by Mainstream Renewable Energy and including Globeleq, Africa Rainbow Energy & Power, H1 Holdings, and local community trusts. The High Court has partially upheld Ikamva’s attempt to block the payout of bank guarantees linked to 12 Bid Window 5 projects — six solar and six onshore wind.
The dispute arose after the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy terminated Ikamva’s preferred bidder status on 1 October 2024, citing the consortium’s failure to meet requirements for commercial close. This triggered a demand for payment of the full R254.8 million in guarantees issued through ABSA.
In its ruling, the court found that the guarantees for the six solar projects had expired on 30 June 2023 due to the lapse of the bid validity period. The department’s failure to call on them before expiry rendered the guarantees unenforceable, and the court granted an interdict preventing ABSA from making payment.
However, the court determined that guarantees for the six wind projects remained valid, citing the absence of a signed Implementation Agreement. The department is therefore permitted to proceed with calling up R164.8 million in wind-related guarantees. Read more
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
