By the CEO of SPM
Powering systems is one thing. Powering people—that’s where the real challenge and opportunity lie. At SPM, we believe our most valuable asset isn’t the machinery we maintain or the systems we optimise—it’s the people who do the work. They are the decision-makers on the ground, the problem-solvers in the field, and the innovators behind every improvement. Our commitment to building a high-performance workforce is rooted in the understanding that excellence begins with those who show up every day ready to learn, grow, and lead.
This week, we joined the rest of South Africa—and much of the world—in recognising Workers’ Day on 1 May, a moment to honour the people whose labour keeps our economies, infrastructure, and communities moving. In South Africa, the day holds deep historical significance as a symbol of the struggles and triumphs of workers’ rights and the ongoing pursuit of fairness, dignity, and opportunity in the workplace. Globally, it reminds us that investing in people is not just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do. At SPM, it reinforces our belief that a strong, well-supported workforce is essential to delivering long-term impact, especially in an industry as vital as electrical infrastructure.
A People-Centred Approach to Excellence
Our high-performance workforce vision isn’t based on abstract ideals—it’s a focused, strategic investment in the people who make things happen. Research from McKinsey & Company and Deloitte has shown that organisations with strong people strategies consistently outperform their peers in productivity, innovation, and resilience. At SPM, we’ve seen this play out firsthand: when people are given the tools, training, and trust they need, they deliver beyond expectation.
A high-performance team is not just one that gets the job done; it’s one that does so consistently, safely, and intelligently. Our teams are expected to think critically, work collaboratively, and uphold the highest standards in everything they do. That requires more than technical skill—it requires mindset, motivation, and continuous development. We are intentional about nurturing those qualities through mentorship, learning programmes, and a culture that recognises and rewards initiative. Because while systems need maintenance, people need momentum.
Building Skills for the Future
In South Africa and across the continent, the demand for skilled professionals in the energy and infrastructure sectors is only growing. According to the World Bank, Sub-Saharan Africa needs to create over 18 million new jobs annually to absorb new labour market entrants. A significant portion of these jobs will be technical in nature—roles that require not only formal education but also on-the-ground problem-solving, adaptability, and experience.
SPM is playing its part by investing in the technical and soft skills that define a modern workforce. From emerging technologies and safety protocols to project management and leadership, we ensure our teams are equipped to thrive in an evolving industry. We also understand that learning doesn’t stop with qualifications. Every new challenge in the field is a learning opportunity. Every improvement suggestion is a step toward operational excellence. That’s why we cultivate a culture where asking questions, proposing ideas, and seeking better ways of working is not just welcomed—it’s expected.
Culture Is a Strategic Asset
Culture is not a side effect of success—it’s a prerequisite. At SPM, we are deliberate about fostering a workplace culture where values aren’t just written on the wall but are lived in how we show up. Integrity, respect, and accountability form the bedrock of our relationships—both internally and with clients.
We believe that people perform best in environments where they feel safe, valued, and empowered. Studies by Gallup and Harvard Business Review consistently show that employee engagement and psychological safety are strongly linked to performance, innovation, and retention. Our managers are trained to lead with empathy, communicate with clarity, and create space for open dialogue.
And while we operate in a high-pressure industry where precision and timelines matter, we never lose sight of the human element. Our people are not machines—they are individuals with stories, families, ambitions, and struggles. That’s why wellness support, work-life balance, and mental health awareness are integrated into our approach.
Diversity Drives Performance
A high-performance workforce is a diverse workforce. Different perspectives bring sharper problem-solving and better decisions. Research from the Boston Consulting Group found that companies with more diverse management teams have 19% higher revenue due to innovation. At SPM, we are actively building teams that reflect the richness of South Africa—across gender, race, age, and background.
Inclusion is not about ticking boxes—it’s about creating opportunities for everyone to grow, contribute, and lead. We are proud of the progress we’ve made, and we are committed to doing more. That includes developing leadership pipelines for underrepresented groups and ensuring that career growth is based on potential, not pedigree.
Leadership Is Everyone’s Business
We don’t believe leadership is confined to titles or job descriptions. At SPM, leadership is about influence, responsibility, and the courage to act in the best interest of the team and the mission. Whether it’s a technician reporting a safety concern or a supervisor mentoring a junior colleague, leadership shows up in everyday decisions.
This mindset is cultivated through deliberate development initiatives—from structured leadership training to informal peer coaching. We encourage our people to lead from where they are, speak up when it matters, and take ownership of their work and their growth.
The goal is not just to build good workers—it’s to develop confident, capable professionals who understand their role in something bigger than themselves.
Innovation Starts with People
As technology continues to evolve, it’s reshaping the way we approach infrastructure maintenance. From predictive maintenance tools to digital asset management, the role of data and smart systems in driving efficiency and reliability is becoming undeniable. However, the true power of these technologies lies not just in the systems themselves, but in the people who use them.
At SPM, we firmly believe that innovation starts with our workforce. Technology may change, but it’s the people behind the technology who bring it to life. That’s why we make continuous investment in fostering a culture of learning, adaptability, and growth. We don’t just focus on equipping our teams with the latest tools—we encourage them to think creatively, challenge the status quo, and seek out ways to improve processes, every day.
We know that innovation isn’t about the latest gadget or software. It’s about mindset: an openness to asking, “How can we make this better?” and a willingness to test, learn, and grow from each experience.
As we integrate more smart technologies into our infrastructure maintenance, we ensure that our people are not just trained, but are confident and engaged. Change may be daunting, but with the right support and mindset, it becomes an opportunity for growth and progress—both for our people and for the business.
Growing With Our Communities
We recognise that our workforce doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s part of the communities we serve. That’s why our vision for a high-performance workforce also includes a commitment to social impact. We partner with local institutions, support youth employment, and contribute to skills development programmes that create pathways for the next generation.
It’s about more than filling vacancies—it’s about building a stronger industry and a stronger society. By investing in local talent, we not only meet our business needs—we help unlock the potential of communities across the country.
Staying Future-Fit
As the world changes, so must we. The future of work will demand greater agility, digital fluency, and emotional intelligence. SPM is preparing for that future by embedding continuous learning into our operations and encouraging our teams to be both technically competent and humanly aware.
We are also rethinking performance—not just in terms of outputs, but in terms of impact, resilience, and adaptability. High performance, in our view, is about being ready for anything—whether it’s a complex technical challenge, a shifting regulatory environment, or a rapidly evolving energy landscape. This kind of readiness doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from years of intentional culture-building, capacity development, and leadership alignment. It comes from putting people first—consistently, authentically, and strategically.
Building What Comes Next
The strength of a company lies not only in what it delivers but in how it grows. As we look to the future, we are committed to becoming more than an employer—we aim to be a learning organisation, a career catalyst, and a partner in progress for everyone who walks through our doors.
Our high-performance workforce vision is not just a plan—it’s a principle. A belief that when people thrive, performance follows. When people feel seen, they show up fully. And when people are trusted, they become the very leaders we need.
To everyone at SPM—and to the workers across South Africa who continue to power our country forward—thank you. This Workers’ Day, we honour your contribution. Every day after, we commit to earning your trust by continuing to invest in what matters most