For over three decades, Power Process Systems (PPS) has been a trusted South African original equipment manufacturer (OEM), delivering cutting-edge, robust electrical enclosure solutions that protect infrastructure, support revenue collection, and enable safe energy delivery across the country.
From humble beginnings in 1993 to developing globally recognised innovations like the smart I-Kiosk, PPS continues to shape the future of utility protection and industrial resilience through a culture of innovation, local empowerment, and market responsiveness.
A vision born out of necessity
PPS was established at a time of pressing infrastructural need. In the early 1990s, Eskom faced a safety and budgetary crisis in Alexandra, Johannesburg, where unsafe street-level kiosks posed a significant risk. Replacing them entirely was costly, so Eskom turned to PPS. The solution had to take budget considerations into account, as replacing the kiosks was not an option due to limited financial allocations regarding the problem.
“We were approached to offer a solution and developed a shroud which could be placed over the entire kiosk and locked to the existing structure. Eskom then used these to cover all unsafe street boxes,” explains Nhlanhla Zondo, Director at PPS. The shroud later developed into a fully fitted meter and distribution I-Kiosk.
Evolving with industry needs
From its origins in fibreglass enclosures to the development of advanced steel and composite solutions, PPS has continuously evolved in response to market dynamics and customer demands. “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.
A major inflection point for the business came with the rise of electricity theft and infrastructure vandalism, which escalated dramatically over the past 15 years. “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.
These challenges presented not just a threat, but an opportunity to lead. In response, PPS developed the I-Kiosk, an intelligent, anti-vandal distribution and meter kiosk that is a world first. “It offers a physical and structural anti-vandal design with co-ordinated information integration, allowing for the environment and access control of the I-Kiosk and surrounds to be managed and monitored and staff to be audited,” explains Nhlanhla.
“This innovation has transformed how utilities safeguard their assets,” highlights Nhlanhla. It is one of the highlights of the OEM over its distinguished 30-year history, a brand that has grown and gained recognition from the industry for trusted quality electrical enclosures.
Proven impact, trusted partnerships
Today, PPS solutions support municipalities, utilities, and public entities across South Africa and beyond. Its innovations, like the pole box for overhead reticulation and slam-lock kiosk designs, are redefining infrastructure safety standards. “We are proud to offer tangible value in the form of better operational efficiencies for grid operators,” says Nhlanhla.
As a local OEM, all its manufacturing input materials are sourced locally. “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,” adds Nhlanhla.
In addition, its almost 200 direct employees and over 300 indirect employees are playing a meaningful role in addressing the challenges of unemployment and socioeconomic inequalities in our country. “We see ourselves not just as a manufacturer, but as a driver of technical skills and local capacity-building, particularly among youth.”
Preparing for a new energy era
Looking to the future, PPS is actively exploring diversification and product expansion in line with the shifting energy landscape. The company is keeping a close eye on developments in 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.” Despite the rapid evolution of the sector, PPS remains grounded in its founding values of innovation, quality, local empowerment, and a commitment to serving South Africa’s infrastructure needs.
“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,” says Nhlanhla. “We have been around for over 30 years, and we fully intend to be here for the next 30.”
Ends
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Notes to the Editor
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About Power Process Systems
Power Process Systems (PPS) is an electrical enclosure and distribution equipment manufacturer. At our fully equipped manufacturing, assembly and wiring facilities in Gauteng and the Western Cape, we produce all components of our products in-house.
In our CNC plants we cut, bend, and nest various enclosures, racking assemblies and mounting frames. We also laminate fibreglass boxes and have a complete range of polyethylene enclosures. We fit and wire these enclosures according to required specifications in our various assembly lines. They are then FAT tested prior to delivery.
We predominantly supply to the electrical infrastructure market. Our focus is on electrical reticulation (underground and overhead) and commercial distribution (office complexes, shopping malls, hospitals, etc.).
We are an OEM and product partner to CBI, ABB, Schneider Electric, Hager, Legrand, Chint, and many other common switchgear brands.
We have an ISO 9001/2008/ SABS quality accreditation and are a SABS accredited production facility for electrical assemblies up to 10 kA.
Power Process Systems Contact
Michael du Toit
Managing Director
Phone: 0861 777 769 (0861 PPS POW)
Email: michael@ppspower.co.za
Web: www.ppspower.co.za
Media Contact
Rachel Mekgwe
Senior Account Executive
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867 7763
Cell: 074 212 1422
Email: rachel@ngage.co.za
Web: www.ngage.co.za
Browse the NGAGE Media Zone for more client press releases and photographs at http://media.ngage.co.za
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Nhlanhla Zondo, Director at Power Process Systems (PPS)
Power Process Systems (PPS) developed the world-first I-Kiosk smart anti-vandalism distribution and meter kiosk
The Power Process Systems (PPS) Johannesburg head office - Pioneering South Africa's infrastructure protection for over 30 years_approved
Pioneering South Africa's infrastructure protection for over 30 years_approved
