SAWEM School prepares SA’s future wholesale market participants

The National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) is running a three-day, expert-led training programme on how to participate in the South African Wholesale Electricity Market.

The SAWEM School, which starts today (29July) provides structured, immersive theoretical and practical training to give individuals and organisations the capability to take part in the South African Wholesale Electricity Market (SAWEM).

NTCSA is clear that certification is a mandatory precondition for market entry, and only those who obtain the official accreditation are permitted to register for or actively participate in SAWEM itself.

Jovan Vujasinovic, CEO of VF Holding, a consulting and investment company active in energy, IT, agriculture, and real estate, shares actionable insights into modern energy management.

SAWEM School is developed and executed by the NTCSA Market Operator unit, the specialised team established under NTCSA to administer and operate South Africa’s emerging energy market infrastructure.

This alignment ensures direct access to market experts, facilitators and the latest regulatory frameworks.

Why SAWEM School was created

The programme was established to support South Africa’s transition from a vertically integrated electricity system to a competitive, multi‑market environment.

With SAWEM and its accompanying Market Code now being implemented under the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, SAWEM School serves as a launchpad for market-ready professionals.

It ensures participants “know the rules” and are ready to engage effectively in trading, compliance, operations and settlement procedures in the reformed sector.

Keith Bowen, Senior Manager: Market Operations at NTCSA, asserts: “SAWEM School is your launchpad into the competitive electricity market. It’s a vital step in building a knowledgeable, compliant and capable participant base.”

Who can participate in the training programme?

SAWEM School is open to a broad range of aspiring market participants, including:

• Individuals applying to use SAWEM Market Operator systems
• Independent Power Producers (IPPs)
• Energy traders
• Regulators and energy service providers
• Retailers and large industrial/commercial energy consumers
• Municipalities
• Aggregators, investors and market analysts/advisors

Why is accreditation required?

Upon completing the three‑day training, attendees receive official SAWEM Accreditation issued by NTCSA.

This credential is mandatory for participation in the South African Wholesale Electricity Market. Without it, individuals or entities cannot register with the Market Operator or engage in trading and settlements under SAWEM.

The curriculum offers a comprehensive foundation in market operations, including:

• Detailed understanding of the SAWEM Market Code, functional rules and market participant obligations
• Practical training in bidding procedures, gate closure, day‑ahead and intraday markets, as well as balancing and settlement systems
• Insights into compliance requirements, financial settlement structures and risk/infrastructure design
• Real‑world market simulation exercises, panel deep dives and interactive engagement with NTCSA experts

The 3-day course also offers valuable networking opportunities with like‑minded, certified professionals entering South Africa’s competitive electricity market.

When are the sessions?

Each SAWEM School session is structured over three consecutive days, offered in person in multiple locations across South Africa.

A nominal participation fee of R1,500 applies; however, participants from partner organisations may apply to attend without charge.

SAWEM School runs monthly 3-day sessions in various regions.

Cover photo:   hryshchyshen©123rf.com