Windaba 2026 brought together leaders, practitioners, policymakers and industry stakeholders to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping South Africa’s renewable energy sector. Under the theme Implementing Watt Matters: Policy. Power. People., this year’s event provided an important platform for conversations about how the energy transition can deliver meaningful and inclusive outcomes.
For INSPIRE, participation in Windaba was an opportunity to advance the conversation around the People pillar: strengthening social performance, creating space for community voices and ensuring that the benefits of renewable energy are shared more equitably.
Alongside launching our new book on social performance and creating opportunities for Community Trusts to engage with the wider industry, one of the most significant highlights was attending the SAWEA Industry Awards Gala Dinner, where INSPIRE was recognised for its contribution to the sector.
INSPIRE recognised at the 2026 SAWEA Industry Awards
We are proud to share that INSPIRE received an award at the 2026 SAWEA Industry Awards in the Implementing Watt Matters: People category.
This recognition highlights the importance of putting people at the centre of the renewable energy transition and reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening social performance, advancing meaningful community participation and supporting more inclusive outcomes across the sector.
For us, this award represents more than an organisational achievement. It acknowledges the collective efforts of the wider community of practitioners, partners and organisations working to ensure that renewable energy development delivers meaningful and lasting benefits for people and communities.
We extend our thanks to SAWEA for this recognition, and to everyone who continues to contribute to this shared journey. The work of building a more inclusive energy sector is a collective effort, and we are proud to be part of a community committed to making it happen.
Continuing to put people first
Windaba 2026 reinforced the importance of keeping people at the centre of South Africa’s renewable energy ambitions. From strengthening social performance practice and supporting Community Trusts to engage with the industry, to creating opportunities for knowledge-sharing and challenging existing approaches, meaningful progress depends on recognising the people and communities who are part of the energy transition.
For INSPIRE, this work remains central to our purpose. We look forward to building on the connections, insights and momentum from Windaba as we continue working towards a more inclusive, socially responsible and transformative renewable energy sector.
Together, let’s keep putting people at the heart of the energy transition.
