The Manufacture of Electric Lamps and Lighting Equipment

This report focuses on the manufacture of electric lamps and lighting equipment in South Africa, a sector that is struggling to compete with cheaper imported products. The value of the local sector including imports is estimated at R6bn per annum.

Opportunities and Concerns

South Africa’s continued energy constraints, the increasing cost of electricity as well as the country’s energy policy which states that by 2016 all conventional light bulbs must be replaced by energy-efficient ones, is driving growth for energy-efficient products. This is borne out by the increase in sales of LED, solar and rechargeable lights reported by local manufacturers and importers. However, there are concerns that if effective regulatory mechanisms are not introduced and enforced, then cheaper imported products will flood the market and pose a serious threat to continued local manufacture. Inadequate testing and sampling of imported products has also resulted in the availability of sub-standard and unsafe LEDs and lighting components.

Report Coverage

The Manufacture of Electric Lamps and Lighting Equipment describes the industry in South Africa, highlights current conditions and discusses the factors influencing the success of the sector. Twenty-four industry players are profiled, including ACTOM, the largest manufacturer and distributor of electro-mechanical equipment in Africa which has 43 operating units, 44 production, service and repair facilities and 40 distribution outlets throughout Southern Africa. Also profiled are Radiant Lighting, BEKA Schréder, Phillips South Africa and Osram, large lighting manufacturers and suppliers of local and imported products.