Judges Insight

Judges highlight innovation and resilience


The 2024 Sassda & Columbus Stainless Awards continue to provide a platform recognising and celebrating innovation, excellence and resilience within South Africa’s stainless steel industry. This year’s awards are particularly significant, reflecting the industry’s ability to adapt and thrive amid economic and environmental challenges. Insights from the judging panel, a group of esteemed professionals with diverse expertise, offer deeper understanding of this year’s choice of nominees and winners.

Compelling qualities of nominees

The nominees are exceptional for several reasons with some consistent qualities highlighted by the judges. Innovation and forward-thinking are frequently mentioned with Gas Safety GM Rob Lawrence noting how this year’s entries demonstrate remarkable ingenuity and the potential to position South Africa as a leader in the global market.

Manufacturing Circle Executive Director Philippa Rodseth emphasises the global competitiveness of South African companies, which is evident in the expertise and ingenuity of entrants. She is particularly impressed with focus on sustainability and innovation, increasingly important in the  industry.

This sentiment is echoed by South African Iron and Steel Institute Principal Analyst Lufuno Maliaga who highlights nominees’ commitment to “innovation,sustainability and social impact” – companies not only excelling in their projects but also contributing significantly to national economic development.

Southern African Institute of Welding Executive Director John Tarboton notes the “great innovation and ‘can do’ attitude in the face of adversity” displayed by this year’s nominees, underscoring their resilience and determination.

Reflecting industry trends and standards

Award winners are seen as “trailblazers and disruptors” strategically positioned at the forefront of the industry. Sassda Market Intelligence Specialist Tebogo Nkwe says the winners in 2024 are not only stable and resilient but also understand the dynamics of the industry, making them leaders in an ever-changing environment. John Tarboton refers to the winners as “great companies doing world-class work, deserving recognition and celebration of their excellence amid evolving trends and standards”.

Retired Stainless Steel Specialist Charles Cammell is impressed by the adaptability of the South African stainless steel industry in a changing economic environment. Despite lack of domestic project work, the industry’s ability to excel in the export market is a testament to its resilience and excellence.

Significance of the Sassda awards

Clearly, the 2024 Sassda & Columbus Stainless Awards are more than just a celebration of industry excellence but a vital platform for recognising the contributions of the stainless steel sector to the broader economy. Rodseth says these awards showcase the capabilities of South African  manufacturers and emphasise the importance of acknowledging these achievements despite the challenges faced by the industry.

For Maliaga, the awards celebrate not just technical excellence but also social responsibility and environmental stewardship, which are increasingly critical today. These values set a new benchmark for the industry and contribute significantly to national economic development.

Tarboton compares the awards to the Oscars, providing winners with distinct marketing leverage to demonstrate excellence to customers. The awards may be the most valuable benefit Sassda provides to the industry, even surpassing the value of training courses, he adds.

Overall, the 2024 Sassda & Columbus Stainless Awards highlight the resilience, innovation and global competitiveness of the South African stainless steel industry. The judges’ insights reflect an industry keeping pace with global standards and leading in sustainability and social responsibility. As the industry continues to evolve, the awards will certainly inspire further innovation and excellence, ensuring South Africa remains a key player on the global stainless steel stage.


Methodology

In previous years, the awards judging involved in-person meetings enabling direct debates and deliberations. However, due to prevailing circumstances, the process has been adapted to a digital format. Judges across the country conduct evaluations through online meetings. Each category has specific judging criteria, communicated to entrants before meeting judges, outlining minimum requirements for a valid entry. Judges receive scoring sheets for each category to assess entries in terms of a standardised scale. Based on the average of total individual scores, the entry with the highest points is generally the winner but scores are also deliberated to ensure the final decision is balanced and well-considered.