SESSA appoints permanent ombudsman

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17 August 2011 News

Acknowledging the rapid growth of southern Africa’s sustainable and efficient energy sectors, the Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa (SESSA) has appointed a permanent ombudsman.

Carel Ballack, who has extensive experience with a wide range of sustainable and efficient energy technologies, takes over from Colin Bain, who previously handled the portfolio on a contract basis. Ballack will not only mediate and arbitrate for the successful resolution of customer complaints, his mandate includes – among others – assisting members to interpret and understand their responsibilities in terms of SESSA’s code of conduct.

Carel Ballack

An electrician’s son, Ballack is a plumber by trade, but moved into the sustainable energy industry in 1999 when he and a partner started importing unfinished amorphous silicon panels in a bid to develop systems that would find a market in southern Africa, such as solar powered traffic lights.

Over the years, the company started experimenting with larger systems, different technologies such as wind power and the data required to design an efficient system. Ballack has spent the last three years in Johannesburg project managing large electrical infrastructure installations and immersing himself in business and operations management.

An ombudsman is usually the last resort to resolve a conflict between individuals and large establishments, and SESSA’s process has already proved its worth. Last year, one of its members was suspended following complaints about service delivery. The ombudsman consulted with the complainants, worked through their problems with the suspended member and advised the company how it could best rectify the situation.

For more information contact SESSA, +27 (0)11 513 4071, [email protected], www.sessa.org.za

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