Sassda’s push to boost local stainless steel
Sassda is ramping up efforts to strengthen South Africa’s stainless steel industry, focusing on revitalising holloware manufacturing and supporting vineyards. By collaborating with major retailers and industry players, Sassda aims to boost local production, reduce imports and enforce higher quality standards.
“During the past five years Sassda has had a special focus on creating demand for locally made stainless steel products. While its work in terms of localising beer kegs and hollowware is still continuing. During the past good progress on finding agricultural applications for 3CR12 as alternative to coated mild steel products. This process also led to unique and innovative solutions for vineyards and orchards.”
Revitalising the holloware sector
South Africa’s holloware industry - producing pots, pans, cutlery, and serving ware - has struggled against cheap, low-quality imports. This has led to declining local production and job losses. In response, Sassda Market Intelligence Specialist Tebogo Nkwe, is pushing to localise stainless steel manufacturing through strategic partnerships.
Since 2021, Sassda has worked with the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (dtic) and retailers such as Shoprite/Checkers, the Lewis Group, and Elite Star Trading Africa. The goal is to connect these retailers with local manufacturers who can produce high-quality stainless steel goods that meet South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) requirements.
One major hurdle is getting the buy-in or support from retailers to localise these products. Sassda is collaborating with many entities such as Proudly SA to ensure we grow the localisation demand in South Africa.
To accelerate this localisation push, Sassda has proposed:
- Consumer Awareness Campaigns: Educating buyers on the benefits of local stainless steel products.
- Retailer Training: Guiding procurement teams on sourcing quality stainless steel goods locally.
- Collaboration: Collaborating with other sectors who share the same vision and mission.
- Capacity Audits: These have been completed and have assessed local manufacturers’ capabilities to scale up production.
These initiatives aim to revive the holloware sector, boost jobs, and strengthen South Africa’s economy.
As a result, the company’s product is already in use by major industrial clients, including those in the chemical processing, food-grade manufacturing, and architectural sectors, where the aesthetics and longevity of stainless steel surfaces are critical.
Stainless steel’s role in vineyards
While Sassda’s engagement with vineyards is more indirect, the association recognises stainless steel’s vital role in winemaking. Stainless steel fermentation tanks, storage vessels, and processing equipment are essential for hygiene, durability, and maintaining wine purity.
South Africa’s renowned wine regions - Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl - rely on stainless steel for toptier production. Leading estates like Delaire Graff and Boschendal have embraced modern stainless steel solutions to enhance quality and efficiency.
The road ahead
Sassda remains committed to fostering a robust local stainless steel industry through key partnerships and strategic initiatives. The association’s main objectives include:
- Expanding Local Production: Reducing import reliance and strengthening domestic manufacturing.
- Ensuring Quality Compliance: Collaborating with regulatory bodies to enforce strict stainless steel standards.
- Driving Industry Growth: Exploring new markets and applications to create more opportunities for local manufacturers.
Through these efforts, Sassda is unlocking the full potential of South Africa’s stainless steel sector - driving innovation, quality, and economic growth.