South Africans are being urged to make more informed choices about the electrical products they use, as industry leaders and civil society step up efforts to improve product safety, protect consumers and strengthen local manufacturing.
Voluntary electrical safety association Safehouse is leading a growing movement to address gaps in electrical product compliance through independent testing, ethical manufacturing standards and consumer education — providing practical solutions to a long-standing national challenge.
While South Africa does not yet have comprehensive public statistics on electrical product compliance, independent testing has shown that many products on the market do not meet required safety standards. These risks are not always visible, making consumer awareness and credible verification systems essential.
Safehouse was established in 2014 to help close this gap by introducing a peer-reviewed, industry-funded compliance model. Through laboratory testing, supplier audits and a strict code of conduct, the organisation supports manufacturers and importers who commit to producing safe, compliant products — while giving consumers a trusted way to identify them.
“Electrical safety cannot be judged by appearance alone,” says Connie Jonker, Safehouse’s Technical Lead and Chairperson. “Compliance requires rigorous testing in accredited laboratories, and our role is to help make that process transparent and accessible.”
The initiative also supports broader economic and social outcomes. Illicit and non-compliant goods undermine local manufacturers, threaten jobs and reduce tax revenue. By promoting compliance, Safehouse contributes to a more sustainable electrical sector that protects both livelihoods and lives.
According to the South Africa Illicit Economy 2.0 Report, illicit trade costs the country an estimated R100 billion annually. In response, Safehouse positions itself as a partner to regulators, providing technical insight and evidence-based recommendations to strengthen oversight rather than replace it.
A key part of the solution lies with retailers and consumers. Safehouse encourages retailers to carefully verify Letters of Authority and test reports before listing products, positioning them as a critical first line of defence in protecting public safety.
Consumers, meanwhile, can actively reduce risk by:
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Choosing products that carry the Safehouse mark
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Verifying accredited suppliers via the Safehouse website
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Being cautious of electrical goods priced far below market norms
“These steps empower consumers to protect their homes and families, while also supporting ethical businesses that prioritise safety,” says Jonker.
By making electrical safety information understandable and accessible, Safehouse is helping to build a more informed marketplace — one where demand for compliant products drives higher national safety standards.
“This is a sector where safety should never be optional,” Jonker adds. “When consumers, retailers and manufacturers work together, we can reduce risk, protect communities and strengthen South Africa’s industrial future.”
