Consistent, protected electricity underpins cold storage and refrigeration, especially in environments handling high-value or perishable goods. PPS’s continued innovation and local manufacturing ensure that municipalities and utilities can maintain reliable power delivery, which in turn stabilises the cold chain and reduces risks associated with power interruptions or tampering. Additionally, building local technical skills ensures the sector has the expertise to support the energy needs of a modern cold chain.
From its early fibreglass enclosures to today’s advanced steel and composite solutions, Power Process Systems (PPS) has consistently aligned its products with the needs of the industry. “As the industry matured, we recognised the need to produce safer, stronger and more cost-effective products. We have adapted accordingly, while never compromising on quality,” says Nhlanhla Zondo, director at PPS.
The company’s defining moment came with the rise of electricity theft and vandalism, a growing national concern. “This culture has not only had crippling effects on revenue collection and protection, but it has also driven vandalism and theft of infrastructure and bred an environment of corruption and collusion within some municipal structures,” notes Nhlanhla.
In response, PPS developed the I-Kiosk, an intelligent, anti-vandal meter and distribution kiosk that integrates structural protection with real-time data and access control. It offers a physical and structural anti-vandal design with co-ordinated information integration.
It allows for the environment and access control of the I-Kiosk and surrounds to be managed and monitored and staff to be audited. “This innovation has transformed how utilities safeguard their assets,” highlights Nhlanhla, a testament to how locally engineered technology can deliver global impact.
Local manufacturing, national impact
Today, PPS solutions are embedded in municipalities, utilities and public entities across South Africa and beyond. Its product range, including pole boxes for overhead reticulation and slam-lock kiosk designs, is redefining how infrastructure safety and operational efficiency are approached.
“As a local OEM, we are proud to offer tangible value in the form of better operational efficiencies for grid operators,” says Nhlanhla. Every PPS product is manufactured locally, using South African materials and labour. “Being at the forefront of innovative technology manufacturing means that PPS is playing a key role in enhancing key technical skills development and capacity building,” he adds.
The company’s workforce of nearly 200 direct employees and over 300 indirect employees play a meaningful role in addressing unemployment and inequality through skills development and youth empowerment. “We see ourselves not just as a manufacturer, but as a driver of technical skills and local capacity-building, particularly among youth,” says Nhlanhla.
Engineering the future of energy
With the energy sector in transition, PPS is positioning itself for the next phase of growth. The company is actively exploring diversification in areas such as renewables, decentralised energy generation, and advanced metering infrastructure.
“The electricity distribution industry is undergoing profound change,” notes Nhlanhla. “We are excited about the opportunities ahead for new technologies, new markets and new partnerships.” Even as it expands its horizons, PPS remains grounded in the values that have sustained it for more than three decades, namely innovation, quality, empowerment and a deep commitment to South Africa’s development.
“Electricity plays a meaningful role in driving economic development and improving people’s livelihoods. Our products play a vital role in ensuring that safe electricity is delivered to end users, and in return Eskom and municipalities can enhance their revenue protection mechanisms,” concludes Nhlanhla.
Source: PPS