At this critical juncture where South Africa is poised to modernise its power infrastructure, ACTOM’s Engineering Projects and Contracts (EPC) Division showcased its capabilities for the first time at Enlit Africa 2025. Making its debut at the continent’s leading power and energy platform, the division brought its extensive expertise in delivering turnkey solutions for high-voltage substations, grid connections and complex industrial and renewable energy projects. With a growing footprint across the SADC region, ACTOM EPC is positioned to play a pivotal role in advancing energy infrastructure and supporting the shift toward a more resilient and sustainable power landscape. CEO of ACTOM EPC, Nicholas Msibi said: “We’re stepping into this space at a critical time for South Africa’s power sector. The energy transition is here, and our infrastructure needs to catch up fast. We’re proud to be part of providing solutions.”
Strengthening the grid, a R1,3 billion milestone
A highlight of ACTOM EPC’s recent success is the award of a R1,3 billion contract to construct a Main Transmission Substation (MTS) in Swellendam on behalf of independent power producer, Red Rocket. This substation will connect renewable power from a local wind farm directly into Eskom’s transmission network, strengthening energy security while enabling greater renewables uptake.
“This project proves that local expertise can deliver at global standards,” says Msibi. “It’s a major contract, yes, but more importantly, it’s a signal that we’re trusted to build the infrastructure that underpins South Africa’s energy future.” He adds that the Swellendam substation is not an isolated win, but part of a broader pipeline of utility-scale projects. “We’re seeing growing demand for substations that can integrate renewables efficiently. That’s where our strengths lie.”
A unique integrated turnkey model
ACTOM EPC brings together six highly specialised ACTOM business units under a single delivery model. This includes ACTOM Power Systems, the division executing the Swellendam project; ACTOM Contracting for electrical and instrumentation works; and ACTOM Industry, which supplies motors and drives for industrial operations. ACTOM Rail Transport, ACTOM Energy and KOEBEC round out the offering, each contributing sector-specific expertise.
“Our model is one of the most efficient within the EPC industry,” Msibi explains. “We offer clients access to full asset/infrastructure life cycle solutions. By engaging us, our clients have access to engineering expertise, equipment and products manufactured from our world class facilities in South Africa, and we offer after-sales maintenance and repairs. Our integrated business model gives us better control of project timelines, costs and quality. Because all these capabilities are under the ACTOM banner, we are more agile and responsive.”
He also highlights ACTOM’s strong balance sheet as a key differentiator in the infrastructure space. “You need to have a solid balance sheet and cash flow to be able to execute projects of this scale,” he says. “We’re fortunate that over the years, we’ve built a very strong balance sheet. That means we can take on large projects like Swellendam and deliver them without financial strain or delays. Not every EPC can say that.”
Enabling South Africa’s energy transition
With grid congestion threatening to slow South Africa’s renewable energy rollout, ACTOM EPC is stepping up to deliver the physical infrastructure that will unlock more generation capacity. “You can’t transition to cleaner energy without strong transmission and distribution infrastructure,” says Msibi. “We’re here to bridge that gap and we’re doing it with solutions that are tailored to South Africa’s conditions.”
He emphasises that ACTOM EPC’s local engineering teams are a key differentiator. “We understand the terrain, the energy standards, the compliance environment and the real-world constraints because we’re on the ground. That’s what makes us effective.”
Showcasing solutions at Enlit Africa 2025
ACTOM EPC’s presence at Enlit Africa 2025 served as a platform to engage with utilities, municipalities, developers and fellow EPCs. “This was our official introduction to the broader market and we showed that we’re ready to collaborate,” Msibi says. “We don’t see other EPC players as competition. In fact, we’re here to fill the strategic gaps, especially on projects that require deep local knowledge, high-voltage experience and strong manufacturing backing.”
Looking ahead, Msibi sees ACTOM EPC playing a bigger role in South Africa’s Transmission Development Plan. “We’re not just showing up, we’re showing that we’re serious about being a long-term partner in the country’s energy build-out.”
Backed by one of South Africa’s most established engineering groups, ACTOM EPC offers the scale, financial strength and technical depth to deliver on complex energy infrastructure needs. With its debut at Enlit Africa 2025, the division sent a clear message: South Africa’s power grid needs to grow, and ACTOM EPC is ready to build it.
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