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2024 SASSDA & Columbus Stainless Awards celebrate Excellence in the South African Stainless Steel Industry
The 2024 Sassda & Columbus Stainless Awards Gala Dinner was held last night, marking a significant showcase of innovation, sustainability, and excellence within South Africa’s stainless steel sector. Attended by 200 industry professionals, including manufacturers, suppliers, fabricators and designers, the event heralded the return of these prestigious awards after a five year hiatus.
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SASSDA revives sought after Awards in Celebration of it 60th Anniversary
As Sassda proudly celebrates its 60th Anniversary in 2024, it has also announced the highly anticipated return of the Sassda & Columbus Stainless Steel Awards supported by title sponsor Columbus Stainless and category sponsors Euro Steel, Macsteel and NDE. Centred around the theme. "Sustainability: 'A Legacy of Brillance'
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Stainless Steel sector fights for right to supply Local Parastatal Projects
The use of local stainless steel is crucial to driving demand and the subsequent benefication of this highly prized metal, but work needs to be done to cement the correct specifications of South African stainless steel components in key strategic projects, states the Southern African Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda).
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Sassda questions why SA stainless steel not first choice for local projects
Creating increased demand for South African stainless steel within key sectors such as mining, automotive and food and beverage is a key area of focus for the Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) in 2023. This was the view of Sassda Executive Director Michel Basson in a recent webinar on the ‘State of the Stainless Steel Nation’ where he provided a comprehensive local and global overview of the sector.
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Stainless Steel Industry remains resilient amid post-covid recovery
The levels of local stainless steel consumption have been declining for the past eight years, however, the industry remains buoyant after having seemingly recovered from the effects of the pandemic, says Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) acting executive director Michael Basson.
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New policy to ensure industry sustainability
In designing the Steel Master Plan (SMP), it is imperative to build consensus on a policy that can aid the creation of a competitive, dynamic and inclusive stainless steel industry, which can provide a stable platform for investment, growth and job creation, says Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) acting executive director Michel Basson.
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Could Nickel price volatility herald a new era in Stainless Steel Innovation?
One of the key components of stainless steel is nickel, which has recently felt the severe knock-on effects of the war in Ukraine. This is because Russia is the world's third-largest producer of nickel - a key ingredient in stainless steel and a major component in lithium-ion batteries
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Women's Economic Assembly Launch - 06 October 2021
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Association supports resilient industry through Master Plan
masterplan signing steel
Master Plan to Boost Local Market
Speaking on the steel master plan, which is a blueprint for the industry to re-energise itself and expand production, the Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) states that the broad structure demanded is in place and export councils are now working to boost the local stainless steel sector.
masterplan signing steel
Government and Stakeholders Sign Master Plan for the Steel and Metal Fabricator Sector
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, along with industry stakeholders from the steel and metal fabrication sector signed a Master Plan for the sector on Friday 11 June 2021. The Master Plan, which has been developed in consultation with all stakeholders from the industry – including primary steel producers, downstream steel players, met fabricators, and organised labour – provides a blueprint for the industry to re-energise itself and expand production.
Expedited change in Stainless Steel industry expected
The Steel Master Plan
At this difficult and unprecedented stage in the history of the world, our country and industry; Sassda is working with the Department of Trade Industry and Competition (dtic) as major partner to alleviate pressure in, and create positive outcomes for, the stainless steel sector. We are therefore committed to keep you up to date with the latest news regarding new developments.
Stainless Hotspots for Growth
As part of the latest phase of the Steel Master Plan development, the Department of Trade Industry & Competition is investigating proposals from industry including ourselves regarding initiatives to kick start industry. Sassda has therefore supplied proposals around the gas field developments in Mozambique and increased domestic LPG/LNG gas use in South Africa as well as import replacements and the rejuvenation of the local hollowware sector.
Economic Policy Dialogue African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA)
Sassda recently attended the dti’s Economic Policy Dialogue on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which aims at providing a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of people and investments. Its goal is to boost Intra-Africa trade from an existing level of about 13% to 25% or more over the next decade, thus contributing to economic growth and attracting investments from both within Africa and the world.
Lets’s Talk about Tariffs…
When it comes to the minefield of trade tariffs, Sassda is not a policy creator or implementer but rather acts as an invaluable facilitator based on its strong relationships with the relevant government bodies, to ensure all our members’ interests are equitably represented in an independent and objective manner. Tariffs expert and Sassda Market Intelligence Specialist Lesley Squires explains how this complex relationship works.
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Sassda’s Input for Steel Master Plan to Ebrahim Patel
In an effort to fulfil our purpose statement, and with the current lack of projects within South Africa, we have been actively working with Trade Export South Africa and subsequently the Trade Invest Africa units of the dti to facilitate trade between South Africa and other countries on the African Continent. Our particular focus is Africa as the nature of our members’ products tend to be large and therefore logistical costs hamper a lot of exports to the rest of the world.
June 2024
In this issue, we delve into the world of stainless steel with a focus on fabrication for industries requiring stringent hygiene requirements. In addition, we get an update on the 2024 Sassda Columbus Awards, a celebration of brilliance that will recognise the outstanding contributions and excellence within the stainless steel community. Lastly, embark on a journey through time with “The Zephyr Pioneer: A Train Ride Back to the Future,” where we explore this iconic stainless steel train’s revolutionary design and historical significance, showcasing its enduring impact on modern transportation.
Other articles include:
- The Best of the GPS eNewsletter – A curated selection of top insights and updates from the industry’s leading eNewsletter.
- From Entrepreneur to Industry Leader – NDE’s Heinrich Vollgraaff’s Vision for Stainless Steel in South Africa
- Navigating Challenges in Stainless Steel – EMVAfrica’s Strategic Response – A closer look at how EMVAfrica is tackling industry challenges with strategic innovation.
- Good Neighbours! Investment Opportunities in Zimbabwe, Eswatini & Mozambique – Identifying promising investment opportunities in neighbouring African markets.
April 2024
The latest edition of the Sassda magazine is here and focuses on Sassda’s celebration of its 60 years of helping to sustain the South African stainless steel sector. We announce the launch of our 2024 Sassda Columbus Stainless Steel Awards and look at the hot topic of desalination in South Africa’s water scare environs and the role that stainless steel can play in boosting the development of these much needed plants and enhancing South Africa’s future water security.
Other articles include:
- MARKET INTELLIGENCE
The best of the GPS eNewsletter - GLOBAL NEWS
It’s time to move away from the global plastic addiction to sustainable stainless - STATE OF THE STAINLESS STEEL NATION
A critical juncture for local stainless - PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Nthabiseng Sebelebele: Leveraging engineering expertise for innovation - TECHNICAL KNOW-HOW
Laser Welding – Shining a light on precision - REGIONAL PROFILE
West Africa’s economic boom sparks global competition - COUNTRY PROFILE
A focus on Côte d’Ivoire
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SASSDA revives sought after Awards in Celebration of its 60th Anniversary
As Sassda proudly celebrates its 60th Anniversary in 2024, it has also announced the highly anticipated return of the Sassda & Columbus Stainless Steel Awards supported by title sponsor Columbus Stainless and category sponsors Euro Steel, Macsteel and NDE.
Centred around the theme, ‘Sustainability: A Legacy of Brilliance’ the awards will take place on 19th September 2024 and will honour the enduring strength and durability of stainless steel, while recognising the resilience of the local stainless steel industry in navigating the current challenges it faces.
NOVEMBER 2023
Welcome to the latest issue of the Sassda Stainless Steel magazine. Here at ‘Sassda HQ’ we describe the intense process of putting this treasure trove of stainless steel insights together as a real labour of love! Nevertheless, and despite the hard work, we always feel immensely proud of the final product and take great joy in the positive reader and advertiser feedback we receive. We hope that the information and insights in this issue are no different and look forward to raising the bar even further in 2024!
In this issue, some of the articles include:
- State of the Stainless Steel Nation – Fighting for the right to supply local parastatal projects
- Global Webinar Report Back – Utility Ferritic Stainless Steel’s Role in SA’s Stainless Industry
- Industry Insight – The price of carbon emissions a lot steeper in the face of increased EU regulations
- Member News Cronimet – Stainless steel is a game changer in reducing carbon emissions
- Market Intelligence – Zambia: A rising economic powerhouse
JULY 2023
This issue of the Sassda Stainless Steel magazine is our biggest yet and is filled with information and insight from the South African and global worlds of stainless steel!
Look out for our anchor feature on the potential for stainless to reinvigorate South Africa’s rail sector, our regular State of the Stainless Steel Nation interview with Executive Director Michel Basson, two in-depth case studies on i. Nitric versus citric acid passivation and the ii. The true benefits of lifecycle costing.
In addition read our country focus on the lucrative and investor-friendly export market of Rwanda and fascinating profiles on Bertie Blom from Macsteel VRN Gauteng and the newest member of the Sassda Team Tebogo Nkwe.
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MARCH 2023
Stainless Steel Digital Magazine!
The latest ‘hot off the press’ edition of the Sassda magazine is all about driving demand for local stainless steel to new heights and is full of interesting information and insight to achieve this goal including:
- STATE OF THE STAINLESS STEEL NATION
SA stainless fights for its right to succeed - WEBINAR REPORT BACK
Sassda questions why SA stainless steel is not the first choice for local projects? - DEMAND DRIVERS
A top line guide to booster sectors for stainless steel - CASE STUDY
Could stainless steel have saved the liberty ships during ww2?
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Sassda questions why SA stainless steel not first choice for local projects
Creating increased demand for South African stainless steel within key sectors such as mining, automotive and food and beverage is a key area of focus for the Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) in 2023. This was the view of Sassda Executive Director Michel Basson in a recent webinar on the ‘State of the Stainless Steel Nation’ where he provided a comprehensive local and global overview of the sector.
NOVEMBER 2022
Stainless Steel Digital Magazine!
The latest edition of the Sassda magazine is our biggest issue yet and is full of interesting information and insight including:
- Will the proposed scrap metal legislation lay ‘waste’ to the whole industry?
- Abracadabra! Stainless steel’s magical passive layer
- Air Crash Investigation – The tragic consequences of misunderstanding stainless steel
- Africa Market Intelligence Report on Tanzania
- A highlights package from our monthly GPS eNewsletter – complete with live digital links
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JULY 2022
Stainless Steel Digital Magazine!
After two years of tumultuous upheaval and unprecedented health and economic challenges, it finally feels as if the South African stainless steel sector is getting back on track.
Top articles in the magazine include:
- Could Nickel price volatility herald a new era in stainless steel innovation?
- Industry analysis on the ‘State of the Stainless Steel Nation’
- A KZN member company launches SA-manufactured stainless steel fasteners
- Passionate professional National Stainless Steel Centre Director Tholwana Mogowane
- Our recent KZN Golf Day in association with the SAIW, which against the recent natural odds, was a brilliant reflection of regional resilience
MARCH 2022
The 1st Stainless Steel Magazine of 2022 is ready for you!
The latest edition is a worthy testament to the hard work and dedication our sector has continued to display in 2022 despite uncertainty in local and global markets. The articles in this issue include:
- INDUSTRY INSIGHT AND ANALYSIS
The State of the Stainless Steel Nation - MARKET INTELLIGENCE
The Best of the GPS e-newsletter - AFRICA FOCUS
What to expect of Business in Africa in 2022 plus Country Profiles on Tanzania and global gas hot spot Namibia - CASE STUDY
3CR12 in action in the sugar industry - PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Air Liquide’s Bridget Zuma is passionate about stainless steel - NETWORKING
Sassda & Columbus Stainless Golf Day
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The December 2021 issue of the Stainless Steel magazine is here !
The latest edition of the Sassda magazine is a worthy testament to the hard work and dedication our sector has displayed in 2021, against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Despite the ongoing challenges, we feel there couldn’t be a better time to celebrate our industry’s accomplishments with the latest issue which features:
- Industry insight and analysis in the form of our State of the Stainless Steel Nation column
- Localisation and its potentially far reaching benefits
- Women in stainless steel and how Sassda is boosting female participation in the stainless steel economy
- Case studies on how 3CR12 stainless steel is providing new solutions to age old problems
- Professional Profile: Wire Products Stainless Steel Director Tanya Papadopoulos
- An update on Mozambique’s $60-Billion Mozambique oil & gas project which is back in business and holds great potential for local stainless steel sector participation
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OCTOBER 2021
Association supports resilient industry through master plan
Despite the impact of Covid-19 and a weak economy, the local stainless steel sector has shown its resilience, as the South African Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) continues to support industry through initiatives such as the Steel Master Plan.
When the Steel Master Plan was first released last year, the stainless steel subsector received recognition for its work and the potential it offers the steel industry. Sassda’s role in the plan is aligned with its mandate, which is to promote the growth of the local conversion of stainless steel to the benefit of our members, industry and the country,” states Sassda acting executive director Michel Basson.
Source Engineering News
AUGUST 2021
Women’s Economic Assembly Launch
On Wednesday, 6 October 2021 Sassda Market Intelligence Specialist Lesley Squires championed the role of women in the future of the stainless steel industry during a speech at the launch of the Women’s Economic Assembly (Watch on YouTube) . During the event she stated; There is a need to create an environment that is diverse and inclusive, and that is not based on gender, but rather on capabilities, skills, potential, value systems and having the right attitude and work ethic…There are also many opportunities in the downstream industries. Women can get involved in the manufacturing of stainless steel products, become wholesalers and distributors of stainless steel. The benefit of this, is that women will bring diversity and a new way of thinking to a traditionally male dominated industry.”
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JULY 2021
Master plan set to boost local market
Speaking on the steel master plan, which is a blueprint for the industry to re-energise itself and expand production, the Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) states that the broad structure demanded is in place and export councils are now working to boost the local stainless steel sector.
Source Engineering News
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The latest issue of the Stainless Steel magazine is here !
The latest edition of the Sassda magazine is our biggest issue yet and is full of interesting information and insight including:
- The potential the mining sector holds for driving local stainless steel demand
- an in-depth Case Study of the lifecycle cost benefits of using stainless steel
- the importance of the development of the SME sector to grow the local industry
- Africa Market Intelligence reports on Botswana and Namibia
- a highlights package from our monthly GPS eNewsletter – complete with live digital links
- An industry news roundup.
Enjoy this window on the world of stainless steel!
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JUNE 2021
Government and Stakeholders Sign Master Plan for the Steel and Metal Fabrication Sector
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, along with industry stakeholders from the steel and metal fabrication sector signed a Master Plan for the sector on Friday 11 June 2021.
The Master Plan, which has been developed in consultation with all stakeholders from the industry – including primary steel producers, downstream steel players, met fabricators, and organised labour – provides a blueprint for the industry to re-energise itself and expand production.
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MAY 2021
We’ve worked incredibly hard to bring you this latest edition of the Sassda Stainless Steel Magazine which is packed with up to date insight and information.
Articles in this issues include:
- A full overview of the current state of the stainless steel sector with key industry stats
- The best of local and global news and insight
- Our new ‘Professionals with Passion’ profile
- The truth behind the magnetism myth
- An in-depth case study that focuses on the use of stainless steel in saltwater applications
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Stainless steel industry shows brighter future
The stainless steel market is still under pressure following years of economic decline in South Africa’s economy. This was exacerbated by Covid-19 and the measures that government imposed to reduce infections, says Africa-based stainless steel mill Columbus Stainless.
Source Engineering News
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FEBRUARY 2021
STATE OF THE STAINLESS STEEL NATION
Against the backdrop of the recent State of the Nation Address and the forthcoming budget speech later this month Sassda Acting Executive Director Michel Basson takes an in-depth look at the ‘state of the stainless steel nation’ and how it is expected to fare in 2021.
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JANUARY 2021
WASTING FRESH WATER : STOPPING SYSTEMIC FAILURES
Water loss through leaking water pipes is a problem for cities all over the world. Some of them are losing water at upwards 40% per year, and this is all water which has already been treated. A recent study by the OECD has shown that it is not only the under developed or even the developing cities that are so affected – even the capital cities of major economies are losing far more water than is sustainable or even viable. The International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF) has published a brochure which reports their research into the service pipe lines in the cities of Tokyo, Seoul and Taipei. All three cities have started to use stainless steel corrugated pipes for transporting potable water from the water mains to the interior of the building.
Source : ISSF