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
NOVEMBER 2020
HOT OFF THE PRESS! THE NEW STAINLESS STEEL MAGAZINE IS HERE
The second edition of Sassda’s new look digital Stainless Steel magazine is hot off the press and offers readers up to the minute information and insights in an easy to access digital format.
This issue focuses on the question of whether despite the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; it may well well create a strong uptake of locally manufactured goods and services and result in a new dawn for the South African stainless steel sector. We also feature roundups of the latest local and global market intelligence and key sector-focused articles on Mozambique’s Oil & Gas project and the potential rebirth of South Africa’s holloware sector.
In addition, there are key business strategy articles on the concept of Kaizen (Continuous Improvement) and maximising the cost-effectiveness of stainless steel; both of which are which, are sure to add significant value to your company operations going forward.
OCTOBER 2020
SA SUPPLY CHAIN GAINS MAKE IT HOLLOWARE’S TIME TO SHINE
COVID-related market shifts have disrupted supply chains, imports and exports and manufacturing models. With the potential to transform localisation of the sector, we consider how disruption can lead to growth in the local Holloware Industry.
ONLINE LEARNING WILL ENSURE SUCCESSFUL GROWTH OF LOCAL INDUSTRY
Sassda has announced the lauch of its digital curriculum with the first fully online Fundamentals of Stainless training course set to start this month. The course is aimed at bridging the industry skills gap through a paperless and powerful online platform to fast track students towards an accredited and transformed future.
SASSDA BOOSTS BENEFITS TO MEMBERS WITH ADDED-VALUE MEMBERSHIP TIER
In its aim of being an agile association that remains in touch and in tune with market needs Sassda is tackling the industry disruption brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic by adding value to its new and existing members.
EXCLUSIVE TO SASSDA MEMBERS!
Click here and login in to our members only section. This will allow you to download the Stainless Steel Information Series that’s packed with stainless information and insight including key advice on corrosion, welding and the fabrication of this simply brilliant material.
AUGUST 2020
Welcome to the first virtual version of Sassda’s Stainless Steel magazine which is designed to offer readers easy to access, up to the minute information and insights.
Our shift to a digital version of the magazine was aimed at increasing the accessibility of the publication and taking our content to the next level. In line with a renewed focus on quality content, this ‘maiden issue’ delves into the following topics:
- The latest on Sassda’s 33.3% member discount for 2020
- A useful GPS roundup of the latest market intelligence aimed at giving you some light at the end of a very dark economic tunnel.
- In-depth features on critical sectors that hold great potential for the use of stainless steel, namely water and oil and gas.
- The role of stainless steel in a post COVID-19 economy
- An update on our shift to online learning channels that still offer the world-class information and expertise we pride ourselves on
APRIL 2020
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
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.
RELIEF PACKAGES TO HELP YOU FIGHT THE FINANCIAL IMPACT OF COVID-19
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.
MARCH 2020
TIMES ARE TOUGH BUT SO ARE WE..
Following President Ramaphosa’s announcement of a total lockdown to be implemented on Thursday, 26 March we would like to reassure our members that despite these uncertain times, Sassda will continue to operate as normal – albeit from home based-locations to ensure we comply with the regulations stipulated by government.
LOCAL VALUE CHAIN
Despite the challenges we face, this is also South Africa’s time to shine as we focus on beefing up local supply chains or as we like to describe them, value chains and championing the country’s output and expertise, especially in the stainless steel sector.
NATIONAL AND REGIONAL SUPPORT
The dti is also continuing to drive the Steel Master Plan forward, and Sassda attended a very positive meeting hosted and chaired by the Minister of Trade & Industry Ebrahim Patel last Friday regarding this plan.
JANUARY 2020
THE STATE OF THE STAINLESS NATION #2020 VISION
Predicting anything positive for the stainless steel industry in terms of market growth in 2020 would be risky and remains in the ‘Daily Lotto’ realm when looking at current economic forecasts. Against this backdrop, Sassda Acting Executive Director Michel Basson takes a look at past and present performance and where there are slivers of potential for growth and development in the local stainless steel sector…
WHY EDUCATION & TRAINING MAKES PERFECT BUSINESS SENSE
Sassda has several stainless steel focused courses that are targeted at various levels of a company’s employee complement. Here Sassda Training Manager Mankabe More unpacks the realities of modern day training and how Sassda is meeting these needs in an expert and innovative manner by embracing the concept of continuous training and the use of digital technologies that have made the association’s world-class courses far more accessible and cost effective…
MOZAMBIQUE IS ‘COOKING WITH GAS’ WHEN IT COMES TO THE ACCELRATED PACE OF ITS $128-BILLION GAS PROJECTS
OCTOBER 2019
MOZAMBIQUE’S $128-BILLION GAS PROJECT COULD BE A LIFELINE FOR SA STAINLESS
The largest project ever undertaken in Africa, the US$128-Billion Mozambique LNG Gas Project which shifted into higher gear earlier this month, holds excellent potential for local stainless steel supply and may be the lifeline that South Africa’s beleaguered stainless steel sector has been searching
for ..
WHAT AFRICA’S FREE TRADE AGREEMENT MEANS FOR YOU
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. Here’s what we learnt …
LET’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 …
SASSDA LAUNCHES NEW LOOK ADVANCED COURSE
In keeping with our mission to take our education and training courses to the next level, in line with our new look 2020 membership structure, Sassda has launched a revamped 3-day Stainless Steel Advanced course…
JULY 2019
SASSDA CHAMPIONS STAINLESS STEEL IN PARLIAMENT
Over the last 20 years, Sassda and the dti have developed an excellent and vital relationship to the extent that the dit’s Metal Desk now has two permanent seats on our Main Comiittee. Sassda’s Western Cape Regional Manager Michel Basson was recently invited to attend a Budget Vote Speech by Trade and Industry and Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel as a guest of the dti. Here’s what he learnt…
SASSDA SEEKS A SOLUTION TO THE BAKKIE BRIGADE DILEMMA
Current economic conditions combined with a solid dose of South African entrepreneurship, has seen an escalation in the activities of what is commonly referred to in industry, the ‘Bakkie Brigade’. Sassda Western Cape Regional Manager Michel Basson investigates…
The Global and Local Stainless Steel Primary Product Market
Sassda is fighting for the survival of the Southern African stainless steel sector as the industry grapples with one of the toughest times in its history. A key part of our work is providing exclusive, in-depth insight and analysis to ensure our members are equipped with the key information they need to go into the market and win!
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MARCH 2019
SA’S Oil & Gas Discovery – Huge Potential or Major Hype?
As South Africans woke up to petrol costing them a whopping 76c/l more yesterday, Sassda Western Cape Regional Manager Michel Basson investigates the significance of the discovery of a ‘multi-million barrel’ oil field off the Western Cape Coast and whether it has any real potential to alleviate our reliance on imported fuel or the potential to boost the local stainless steel sector?
Sassda Provides Vital Springboard to Zambian Stainless Entrepreneur
The ability of Sassda to boost entrepreneurial development in the African stainless steel market is clearly illustrated by the success of Zambian Inventor Arnold Nyendwa who as a result of his win at the 2018 Sassda Columbus Stainless Awards, is now poised to open his first production facility thanks to a R1.4-million grant from the Zambian Ministry of Youth and Sport.
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JANUARY 2019
Africa opens up for SA’s stainless steel sector
2019 seems to be the year of an ‘opening up’ of Africa, whether it be opening trade borders or opening key infrastructure projects, all of these key developments have positive implications for the South African stainless steel sector.