From construction to continuity – why workforce flexibility is key to powering South Africa’s renewable future
- August 8, 2025
- Posted by: quynadmin
- Category: Press
By Pierre Bekker, Director at Quyn International Outsourcing
South Africa’s renewable energy sector is entering a new chapter. After years of growth focused on building solar farms and wind projects, the spotlight is shifting and the new priority is making sure these sites operate efficiently and reliably for the long term. This is where Temporary Employment Services (TES) providers are stepping in. By supplying skilled, reliable labour that can adapt to changing site needs, TES providers are helping energy operators keep performance high, manage costs, and support surrounding communities.
From construction to long-term performance
In the early days, renewable energy projects were all about construction. Teams were sent into rural areas to build the infrastructure, install panels and get everything up and running. While the construction phase sees the most action, it is once a project has been commissioned that the real work begins – with these sites needing maintenance to ensure they produce energy as expected and remain financially viable.
Here, ongoing maintenance is more than a technical requirement. It is essential for the long-term success of the entire renewable energy strategy. These sites need regular inspections, fault detection, cleaning and servicing to stay productive, as without proper maintenance, even the best solar or wind farm can end up underperforming or sitting idle.
Maintenance is what ensures these projects continue delivering power, return on investment and energy security over their full 20-year lifespan. As more sites move from construction to operation, there has been a rise in specialised maintenance companies. They are creating a whole new layer of the industry focused on long-term performance and they need the right resources in place to keep things running smoothly.
A smart, flexible workforce model
TES providers are uniquely positioned to support this next phase. Unlike the large workforces required during construction, maintenance relies on smaller, specialised teams that need to be flexible and responsive. TES providers are built to meet this demand, offering a staffing model that allows companies to adjust their workforce according to site needs, without the complexity or cost of hiring permanent employees.
TES teams are often involved in renewable energy projects from the construction phase, which means they are familiar with the local talent pool. They identify people with potential and help them grow into skilled roles, so that by the time maintenance starts, there is already a trained and trusted workforce available.
Creating jobs and building local capacity
One of the most powerful contributions of TES providers is their role in uplifting rural communities. In towns where there were once no qualified artisans, renewable energy projects have opened the door to real career opportunities. Locals who started as general workers during construction have since become semi-skilled, qualified electricians and technicians, often staying in their communities to work and live.
The right TES partner does more than just fill vacancies. They help build the local infrastructure needed to support long-term operations. Because they operate across multiple projects in a region, they can establish shared resources that benefit several companies and communities. They also take on the heavy lifting of HR, payroll, industrial relations and compliance on behalf of the operator. Their ability to serve multiple sites with shared resources enables efficient operations, even in remote rural areas, without the need for full internal teams. With strong supplier networks and on-the-ground presence, they keep projects running smoothly.
Ensuring continuity and compliance
A well-established TES partner will already be registered with the relevant bargaining councils and understand the complexities of workforce management in isolated environments. They provide expert guidance across HR functions, giving site managers the support they need to stay compliant and lead with confidence.
Even when site operators change hands – which often happens between construction and maintenance – TES resources are there to ensure continuity. TES providers maintain databases of local workers and supplier relationships and have deep knowledge of the community. That familiarity is essential in keeping everything on track, even through transitions.
In a sector where safety, compliance and transformation are non-negotiable, the right TES partner can make all the difference. They don’t just provide staff, they become a critical part of the operation, ensuring that everything from contracts to site conduct aligns with South Africa’s labour laws and industry standards.
Supporting transformation and sustainability
The right TES partner actively contributes to transformation by investing in people. They identify local talent, offer training and development opportunities, and help build long-term careers in renewable energy. These aren’t just jobs, they are pathways to better livelihoods in communities that were once overlooked.
Ultimately, it’s about partnership. A trusted TES provider brings local insight, national reach and the systems to support renewable energy operators for the long haul. As the sector grows, so does the need for consistent, responsible people management – and that’s exactly where the right TES partner adds real value.
