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Sassda spearheads Stainless Steel Master Plan as sector roadmap to 2030
The Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) has announced the launch of a new Stainless Steel Master Plan (SSMP), a national collaborative initiative that will chart the course for the local stainless steel sector’s growth, competitiveness, and sustainability to 2030.
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Sassda Members Push Back Against Blanket Tariffs, Call for Fair Trade Approach
The Southern African Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) has raised concern over new trade headwinds following the United States imposition of an average 30% tariff on South African stainless steel exports. The issue was the focal point of Sassda’s latest 60 Minutes with Stainless webinar, which featured renowned economist Dawie Roodt as the keynote speaker.
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Fair Trade or Foul Play? The Taxing Truth About Trade Tariffs
Based on a large number of enquiries and understandable concern from our members, Sassda Executive Director Michel Basson unpacks the impact of tariffs and trade barriers on South Africa’s stainless steel value chain.
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Sassda calls for Urgent Action to Reindustralise South Africa's Economy
The Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) is calling for urgent action to protect and grow the country's stainless steel industry, which is facing severe challenges due to increasing imports of finished stainless steel goods and declining local manufacturing.
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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 on the 19 September 2024, 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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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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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
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.
October 2025
SA Stainless Sector supports Circular Push
The Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) recently attended the latest South African Circular Manufacturing Initiative (SACMI) stakeholder engagement, reinforcing its mandate as the voice of stainless steel and its role in representing the interests of the entire South African value chain.
The meeting marked a significant step in aligning the stainless steel sector with national efforts to formalise and accelerate circular manufacturing. Sassda says many of its members have already embraced circular economy principles, not out of policy, but out of necessity.
August 2025
Sassda Members Push Back Against Blanket Tariffs, Call for Fair Trade Approach
The Southern African Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) has raised concern over new trade headwinds following the United States imposition of an average 30% tariff on South African stainless steel exports. The issue was the focal point of Sassda’s latest 60 Minutes with Stainless webinar, which featured renowned economist Dawie Roodt as the keynote speaker
July 2025
Stainless Steel Magazine – Issue 3: July 2025
In the latest issue we explore whether stainless steel can rise to meet mounting economic and policy challenges, and how the automotive industry may be steering the sector forward.
Highlights include:
- Tariffs, Trade & Tenacity
– Sassda’s stance on import dynamics and local industry protection. - State of the Stainless Nation
– Energy, policy, and market headwinds dissected. - Auto Sector Spotlight
– Stainless steel’s high-stakes role in SA’s vehicle manufacturing future. - North Africa’s Surge –
Morocco and Algeria driving regional stainless demand.
***Plus: Industry interviews, technical insights, and new member updates.
May 2025
Stainless Steel Magazine – Issue 2 : May 2025
Featured Stories include:
- The Taxing Truth About Tariffs
– What new trade measures mean for competitiveness - Water Security & Infrastructure
– Why stainless steel is central to solving SA’s water crisis - Corrosion at the Dead Sea
– A case study in material performance under extreme conditions - Columbus Stainless’s Pierre Rootman Profile
– Strategic thinking from one of the sector’s key players - Angola’s Growth Outlook
– Energy investments fuelling regional stainless steel demand - Cronimet’s 30-Year Journey
– Long-term sustainability in practice
April 2025
Fair Trade or Foul Play? The Taxing Truth About Trade Tariffs
Based on a large number of enquiries and understandable concern from our members, Sassda Executive Director Michel Basson unpacks the impact of tariffs and trade barriers on South Africa’s stainless steel value chain. What’s clear is that with input costs rising, global competition intensifying, and local industries under pressure, an economic battle is underway, and the role of duties and protective measures is under scrutiny like never before
March 2025
Stainless Steel Magazine : Issue 1 – March 2025
This edition explores key topics shaping the sector, from Sassda’s efforts to grow local
demand to critical technical insights on the hidden risks of corrosion in laser-cut stainless steel. Gain market intelligence to drive business growth, discover South Africa’s path to manufacturing revival, and stay informed on the latest industry projects, training programs and innovations.
November 2024
As 2024 draws to a close, we’re proud to present the final issue of this milestone 60th anniversary year for Sassda. This final edition of the year of the Sassda Stainless Steel Magazine celebrates our industry’s resilience, innovation, and the remarkable achievements in 2024, while looking ahead to an exciting future.
Key articles include:
- Sassda Perspective:
Reflections on 60 years of stainless steel excellence and the road ahead. - State of the Stainless Steel Nation:
Balancing challenges and opportunities in 2024. - Laser Welding Innovation:
A transformative step for South Africa’s stainless steel sector. - Spotlight on Leadership:
Honouring the women shaping our industry’s future. - Case Study:
Smart stainless steel grade selection for lasting solutions. - Regional Growth:
Uganda’s economic boom and its stainless steel implications.
October 2024
SARS and Stainless Steel Industry strengthen ties in successful Training Session
In a groundbreaking step towards enhancing collaboration between the stainless-steel industry and the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Sassda has participated in a highly successful Metals Specialist Factory training session hosted by the South African Iron and Steel Institute (SAISI). The event, held at the IST offices in Pretoria West, aimed at addressing technical and operational challenges that industries face when dealing with SARS.
This exclusive training session, approved by SARS and the SARS Institute of Learning (SIOL), brought together industry representatives and SARS officials to highlight critical issues through the presentation of real-world case studies. The focus was on resolving problems within the scope of each participant’s expertise, covering concerns such as imports, duties, testing, and documentation procedures.
SASSDA Laser Welding Workshop heralds a New Era in South African Laser Welding Industry
The Southern African Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) has hosted an enlightening Laser Welding Workshop at the South African Institute of Welding (SAIW) Campus in Johannesburg. The event brought together experts, industry professionals, and welding enthusiasts to explore the cutting-edge advancements in laser welding technology. Through insightful presentations and hands-on demonstrations, the workshop highlighted how laser welding is set to revolutionise industries ranging from manufacturing to aerospace.
Laser welding, though a relatively recent development, has made remarkable strides since its inception in 1960. Rob Lawrence, one of the key speakers at the workshop, emphasised how quickly this technology has evolved.
September 2024
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.
Celebrating 60 years of stainless steel excellence in South Africa, the awards honoured individuals and companies that have made significant contributions to the industry. The night saw top achievers across several categories recognised exceptional work.
Celebrating 60 years of brilliance with the triumphant return of the Sassda Awards!
Join us in commemorating the 60th anniversary of Sassda’s establishment and the exciting revival of the prestigious Sassda & Columbus Stainless Awards in 2024 in a special edition of Sassda Stainless Steel Magazine. This issue features in-depth profiles on all our winners and runners-up, recognising their dedication and talent which have been instrumental in driving our industry forward.
Key articles include:
- The enduring legacy of Sassda – We explore the rich history and impactful
contributions of Sassda over the past six decades. - Innovation and resilience – Invaluable insights from the Judges as they shed light on the key themes of innovation and resilience displayed by this year’s winners.
- Sustainability Champion – Eco Clarity – Learn about this pioneering company’s outstanding commitment to sustainability.
- Overall Winner – ND Engineering – Discover the remarkable achievements of ND Engineering as they claim the prestigious title of Overall Winner.
Overall the latest issue of our industry-renowned magazine offers a comprehensive overview of the stainless steel industry’s milestones, innovations, and outstanding achievers.
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.