More education initiatives needed in local industry
Posted: 27 October 2023
Education and skills development remain indispensable for the South African stainless steel industry, however, the training and development of productive and skilled staff has become a “major stumbling block” to the growth of the industry, says Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) executive director Michel Basson.
While there was a high enrolment of students in Sassda’s training programmes from 2020 to 2022, owing to online classes being more accessible, there was a decline in uptake throughout 2023.
SASSDA strives to unlock the power of local stainless steel
Posted: 27 October 2023
The use of local stainless steel is crucial to driving demand and the subsequent beneficiation of this highly prized metal but work still needs to be done to cement the correct specifications of South African stainless steel components in key strategic projects.
This is the view of the Southern African Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) which together with the local demand-creating structures of the Steel Master Plan (SMP) has identified and placed a focus on the following projects that can positively impact the local conversion of stainless steel.
Source Engineering News
Stainless Steel sector fights for right to supply Local Parastatal Projects
Posted: 18 September 2023
The use of local stainless steel is crucial to driving demand and the subsequent beneficiation of this highly prized metal, but work still 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).
Source Engineering News
Sassda questions why SA stainless steel not first choice for local projects
Posted: 07 March 2023
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.
Six-month ban imposed on export of copper scrap as South Africa seeks to combat theft
Posted: 30 November 2022
The South African government has imposed a six-month ban on the export of copper and copper-alloy scrap, as well as most ferrous scrap as part of the first phase of a three-phase intervention designed to combat the rampant theft of metals used in public infrastructure.
Source Engineering News
Stainless steel industry remains resilient amid post-Covid recovery
Posted: 28 October 2022
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.
Source Engineering News
New policy to ensure industry sustainability
Posted: 28 October 2022
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.
Source Engineering News
Scrap export ban detrimental to sector
Posted: 28 October 2022
The Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) supports the proposed legislation to stop the economic damage caused by metal theft and infrastructure destruction.
However, this could be detrimental to the stainless steel sector because all metal waste and scrap are subjected to the scrap export ban, says Sassda executive director Michel Basson.
Source Engineering News
Could Nickel price volatility herald a new era in Stainless Steel Innovation?
Posted: 30 May 2022
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.
Annual South African Stainless Steel Statistics
Posted: 16 May 2022
Amidst the flux of COVID-19 and other societal and economic upheavals we thought it would be helpful to undertake a more in-depth look at the South African stainless steel consumption figures. Here Acting Executive Director Michel Basson presents a longer-term view of Sassda’s renowned industry statistics…
Stainless steel industry perseveres in challenging conditions
Posted: 08 April 2022
Despite significant challenges, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and its ripple effects, the stainless steel sector has shown adaptivity, innovation and resilience.
It is also showing prepandemic consumption levels, with Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) acting executive director Michel Basson stating that the sector was one of the first to start up after the initial lockdown, at 50% capacity, compared with the 30% of most others.
Source Engineering News
Association supports resilient industry through master plan
Posted: 22 October 2021
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
Women's Economic Assembly Launch
Posted: 06 October 2021
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.”
Click here to read the full speech Click here to view Video of Highlights from Sassda
Master plan set to boost local market
Posted: 05 July 2021
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
Government and Stakeholders Sign Master Plan for the Steel and Metal Fabrication Sector
Posted : 21 June 2021
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.
Stainless steel industry shows brighter future
Posted: 28 May 2021
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
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
As part of the latest phase of the Steel Master Plan development, the Department of Trade Industry & Commerce 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, the rejuvenation of the local hollowware sector and the wine tank industry
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.
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.
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
