Expedited change in stainless steel industry expected
Posted: May 29, 2020
The Covid-19 pandemic will have long-term ramifications, including permanent change in the South African stainless steel industry.
“The stainless steel industry could be on the brink of taking an S-curve upwards, owing to the crisis, which may result in the local industry’s adopting Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies sooner than expected.”
Source Engineering News
Stainless Steel can build to 50% of its workforce
Posted: April 30, 2020
The inputs of our industry and Sassda’s subsequent submission to government which outlined how the South African stainless steel sector can safely re-open when the country moves to Level 4 of the current COVID-19 lockdown tomorrow, have yielded significant success. In fact, the results have gone above and beyond our expectations, which shows what can be achieved when our industry follows the mantra of ‘strength in numbers’.
Sassda lobbies for the re-opening of the stainless steel industry
Posted: April 28, 2020
A hallmark of the ‘Age of COVID-19’ is the speed of a rapidly evolving business scenario with companies and associations having to re-evaluate and respond on an almost daily basis made all the more complicated by an onslaught of multiple moving targets.
One of the best examples of how Sassda has revved up its response to the COVID-19 outbreak was our comprehensive submission to the Department of Trade, Industry & Competition by the incredibly tight deadline of 12pm on Monday, 27 April 2020! This covered how the South African stainless steel sector can safely re-open when the country moves to Level 4 of the current COVID-19 lockdown on Friday, 1 May 2020.
The Steel Master Plan
Posted: April 17, 2020
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
Posted: April 17, 2020
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
Posted: April 17, 2020
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.
Make sure your stainless is also safe during the lock down period!
Posted: March 26, 2020
As we head for a 3-week lockdown this evening it’s important to note that there is a high risk for corrosion during this period. Make sure your Stainless is also safe during the lock down period! Stainless steel is not able to give optimum performance without the necessary oxygen to maintain the passive layer. This layer is thin and tenacious and acts as an inert barrier against corrosion attack.
Times are tough but so are we..
Posted: March 25, 2020
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
Posted: March 25, 2020
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
Posted: March 25, 2020
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.
SASSDA TAKES A STAND AGAINST COVID-19 Strength in Stainless
Posted: March 19, 2020
Established in 1964, Sassda remains one of the most active stainless steel industry associations in the world involved in increasing the awareness and use of stainless steel in Southern Africa. With the recent and sudden arrival of the COVID-19 disease which has spread rapidly around the globe, Sassda remains committed to supporting our members, staff, clients and suppliers during these uncertain times.
Stainless steel growth unlikely in 2020
Posted: March 3, 2020
The level of activity in the local stainless steel sector’s value chain has dwindled in the past decade, mainly owing to international competition, low steel prices and the slow growth of the local economy. Therefore, steel industry body the Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) does not expect 2020 to be a year of substantial growth for the local stainless steel market.
Why Training & Development makes Perfect Business Sense
Posted: February 29, 2020
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.
The State of the Stainless Nation #2020 Vision
Posted: February 29, 2020
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.
Outward Trade & Investment Mission to Maputo, Republic of Mozambique
Posted: January 29, 2020
Sassda Market Intelligence specialist Lesley Squires recently undertook an intensive 5-day trip to the country to get to grips with the opportunities its $128-Billion gas project affords our members. Here’s what she learnt.
Sassda Launches New Look Advanced Course
Posted: November 1, 2019
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.
Let’s Talk about Tariffs…
Posted: November 1, 2019
When it comes to the minefield of trade tariffs, Sassda is not a policy creator or implementer but rather acts as an invaluable conduit and 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.
Economic Policy Dialogue African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Posted: November 1, 2019
23rd October 2019 Program Director: Eustace Mashimbye – CEO Proudly SA Speaker: Ambassador Xavier Carim, DDG International Trade and Economic Development, the Dti The purpose of the AfCFTA is to enhance intra-Africa trade and investment. It was formalised by the OAU in 1980 at the Lagos plan of action. Tariffs are not the only constraint
Mozambique’s $128-billion Gas Project could be a Lifeline for SA Stainless
Posted: November 1, 2019
What is described as the largest project ever undertaken in Africa, the US$128-Billion Mozambique LNG Gas Project, which holds excellent potential for SA stainless steel supply, has shifted into first gear in the last month with the offshore portion of the project having been given the green light in early October (estimated completion 2025).
New membership structure set for stainless steel sector
Posted: October 28, 2019
Sassda’s Acting Executive Director Michel Basson recently spoke to Engineering News about our exciting new membership packages to be launched in March 2020! E-mail francis@sassda.co.za if you’d like more information.