frontpage

Latest News June 2026

CEO Message

Investing in People, Power, and Progress

We continue to operate in a world where geopolitics and wars have created economic turmoil, marked by severe supply chain disruptions, the risk of hyperinflation, and the prospect of an economic recession.

View

Feature

Powering South Africa’s Future: ACTOM’s latest acquisition advances local battery manufacturing

In a move poised to reshape South Africa’s energy landscape, ACTOM, one of the country’s leading engineering and manufacturing companies, has announced the acquisition of Juel Batteries

View

Corporate

ACTOM’s 2026 Annual Review: Driving growth, resilience, and sustainable progress

ACTOM’s 2026 Annual Review, held on 5 June at the Radisson Hotel in Kempton Park, brought together...

Meet Sizwe: ACTOM’s new Chatbot is here to help you work smarter

Innovation at ACTOM isn’t just about the products we build; it’s also about how we support and...

ACTOM showcases leadership and innovation at industry events

As a driving force in Africa’s electro-mechanical and energy sectors, ACTOM actively shapes the...

Building Futures Through Skills Training: Our commitment at ACTOM Training Centre

ACTOM Training Centre believes that every apprentice deserves an opportunity to build a meaningful...

Development

Running Together: How ACTOM’s Power Race fosters wellness and unity

On the 26th of April 2026, Germiston Stadium in Johannesburg buzzed with the energy of over 1,700 ACTOM employees, all lacing up for the highly anticipated ACTOM Power Race. What began as an idea inspired by the success of the previous Vaal Race has now become a flagship event in ACTOM’s drive to promote wellness, unity, and employee development. ACTOM proudly supports differently-abled staff on the route. Leadership’s Commitment to Employee Wellness This culture of participation and wellness is championed at the top. ACTOM’s leadership doesn’t just encourage involvement—they make it possible. Registration fees are fully covered, branded shirts are provided, and meals are provided to all participants on race day. “We believe the returns to employees’ wellness and morale far outweigh the costs,” Makamu explains. “It’s about making sure...

Power

John Thompson acquires a new state-of-the-art laser cutting machine

John Thompson has improved operations with a new state-of-the-art laser cutting machine, already transforming the businesses product lines. According to Suben Govender , General Manager of Manufacturing, the drive to acquire the new machine stemmed from the limitations of their previous equipment. “The older flame-cutting and plasma machines simply could not meet the speed, accuracy, and...

From Reactive to Predictive - Smarter boiler operations start with John Thompson

Let’s be honest, no business plans for downtime, but it happens. Unexpected failures, rising energy costs and systems that only get attention when something goes wrong. That’s the reality of reactive boiler management. It is expensive, disruptive and outdated. John Thompson, helps customers move beyond this cycle. Through advanced remote boiler monitoring and control solutions, it enables a...

JT invests in education from playgrounds to pathways

John Thompson, believes that investing in education is an investment in the future. Recently, the division partnered with a local Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre near its facilities to create a safe, stimulating playground for children, most of whom come from neighbouring informal settlements. This thoughtfully designed space enables young learners to play, explore, and develop...

New Videos

Engineering Projects & Contracts

ACTOM Contracting powers renewable energy integration in Limpopo

ACTOM Contracting, is a leading force in Africa’s power sector. Specialising in engineering, procurement, and construction, the division delivers turnkey solutions for power generation, transmission, and distribution. ACTOM Contracting’s track record includes the design, construction, and commissioning of high-performance substations and power plants for utilities, independent power producers, municipalities, and industries across Southern...

ACTOM Power System delivers South Africa’s renewable future

ACTOM Power Systems is delivering the Eskom Self Build Agulhas 400/132kV Main Transmission Substation (MTS) on a full EPC turnkey basis. Commissioned by Red Rocket SA—a leading independent power producer (IPP), developer, and NERSA licensed electricity trader—this substation is a cornerstone for channelling renewable power from the Overberg (230MVA) and Western Cape (150MVA) wind farms into South Africa’s growing clean energy network. With an...

High Voltage Equipment

ACTOM delivers Africa’s first fully digital, AI-ready substation in Namibia

Namibia’s power utility, NamPower, has commissioned the Sekelduin 132/66/33kV Substation near Swakopmund, marking Africa’s inaugural fully digital substation. The facility increases grid stability, accommodates projected load growth in the Erongo region, and establishes a new standard for digital energy infrastructure. ACTOM acted as the primary supplier, EPC contractor, and systems integrator, showcasing African engineering talent and digital advancement.

MV Switchgear

MV Switchgear gets short-circuit certification for its new circuit-breaker

Following the development of the locally manufactured 25kA SBV4XE circuit breaker and modernised mechanism, ACTOM MV Switchgear completed short-circuit performance type testing and certification for the 31.5kA version. The SBV4XE range of switchgear was introduced as an optimised version of the SBV4E, reducing part count, production costs, and overall mechanical complexity. At the same time, the business unit developed a new bolted-and-riveted...

MV Switchgear introduces world-leading GELPAG switchgear

Following the success of the 12kV GELPAG solid dielectric insulated switchgear (SIS) product range, ACTOM MV Switchgear, in partnership with GELPAG Advanced Technology GmbH, continued to develop the range up to a rating of 40.5kV and 3150A. Type testing of the switchgear range in accordance with IEC 62271-200, IEC 62271-100 and IEC 62271-102 was successfully completed in December 2025 by TÜV Rheinland at the XIHARI Changzhou test laboratory....

Power Transformers

Power Transformers’ upgraded Pretoria West facility, slashing lead times and boosting local industry

ACTOM Power Transformers, a leading manufacturer in South Africa’s power infrastructure sector, has announced the completion and commissioning of its newly upgraded Pretoria West facility. This significant investment marks a new era for ACTOM, cementing its role as a driving force in supplying high-voltage transformers in South Africa and the wider African market. The Pretoria West facility, already renowned for its engineering capabilities, now features cutting-edge manufacturing technology, expanded assembly areas, and streamlined logistics. The upgrade is a direct response to growing demand for reliable, locally produced power transformers, as South Africa continues to strengthen its electricity grid and reduce its dependence on imports.

LH Marthinusen

How LHM converted a lift shaft into a ventilation shaft for a platinum mine – in record time

In a remarkable engineering achievement, LH Marthinusen (LHM) successfully transformed an existing mine lift shaft into a fully functional ventilation shaft for a platinum mine, completing the project on schedule. This innovative solution not only met strict ventilation standards but also allowed underground mining operations to continue smoothly as platinum prices soared in 2025.

Reid & Mitchell

How LHM converted a lift shaft into a ventilation shaft for a platinum mine – in record time

Marthinusen & Coutts

Marthinusen & Coutts: pioneering new tools in rotating machine diagnostics

Marthinusen & Coutts (M&C) have recently made significant advances in developing advanced diagnostic tools for rotating machines, most notably the Stray Flux Analyser and Salient Pole Rotor Simulation tools. These innovations are not only setting new standards for efficiency...

Electrical Equipment

ACTOM Kenya: pioneering high voltage and substation automation in East Africa

ACTOM Kenya is making significant strides in the region’s energy sector, recently embarking on its first major high voltage and substation automation project - a move that signals both a milestone for the business and a turning point for the local industry. In an exclusive interview, Eng. Kelvin Agengo , CEO of ACTOM Kenya, shared insights on the business evolution, challenges, and vision for the future.

Our People

Key Appointments

Naresh Hari was appointed as Group Operations Executive, T&D on 1 February 2026. Trudie de Bruyn was appointed as Executive Assistant to the Group CEO on 18 May 2026. Devon Heuer was appointed as Executive Assistant to Group CFO on 20 April 2026....