Membership Benefits

Boosting the potential of SA’s stainless steel sector one added value service at a time…

Sassda is deeply ingrained in the fabric of our members’ operations and is acutely aware of the daily challenges they face. We therefore strive to add constant value with a range of ‘free’ services and outreach efforts that form part of Sassda memberships. To help members unlock the true value of their Sassda membership here is an easy Reference Guide to the top services we offer with e-mail links for easy enquiries.

Training Courses in 2024

In 2023 Sassda offered its members an incredible R226 000 in free training to its current members which shows its commitment to investing in the long-term growth and sustainability of the local stainless steel sector.

Sassda’s training courses are renowned for their comprehensive content and in-depth insight and information and as such, Sassda has been verified and recognised as an ECSA CPD Service Provider. The 2024 schedule of courses is as follows:

• Introduction to Stainless Steel Course (online/permanently accessible)
• Fundamental Course
  • 7, 14 & 21 May
  • 2, 11 & 16 July
  • 3, 10 & 17 September
• Selling of Stainless Steel Course
  • 22 April
  • 26 November
• Handling of Stainless Steel in the Warehouse Course (on demand)
• Advanced Stainless Steel Course - Sassda will expand this offering in 2024 by incorporating hybrid access to the Advanced Course, i.e. the class will be presented at a physical venue and then also broadcast to remote attendees. The next Advanced Course will take place on the 8, 15 October (online course) and a tour to Columbus Stainless on 22 October.
• Beyond Stainless Steel will be presented during June/July with the current CPD accreditation.

For more information on Sassda’s education and training offerings e-mail: mankabe@sassda.co.za

Technical Advisory Service

The combined expertise of Sassda’s staff is reflected in its very popular free technical advisory service enabling the correct specification and usage of the various grades of stainless steel.

The technical team reports that Sassda has had a number of technical enquiries related to the mining industry during 2023. To add to the depth of  technical expertise offered Sassda has worked closely with Columbus Stainless to provide the most in-depth feedback to these enquiries with Columbus undertaking additional research to boost this line of service.

Other research stemming from the technical desks related to Preliminary tests on the cleaning of welds with laser welding equipment shows that this method is most likely not efficient in restoring the passive layer on stainless steel. Research is continuing on this important line of research.

For more information on our technical advisory service email: michel@sassda.co.za

Lobbying

Assistance with product designation, tariff codes and lobbying – Sassda produces quarterly reports with assistance from the dtic on exemption statistics. Sassda was asked to facilitate the use of 56% locally produced welding wire from the only producer of this specific product in the country to ensure the material was eligible for a Transnet contract. Efforts continue in this regard.

Renewable Energy - The rules and regulations regarding local content for the renewable industry are being developed as certain service providers make use of loopholes in existing regulations to bring in material and components, thereby skipping the correct duties.

Sassda has also identified that an opportunity exists for 3CR12 to be used as replacement material in electrification pylons. Sassda is engaging with the SABS to get the local content and materials stipulated in the National Standards. This will compel Eskom and other SOEs to use materials such as 3CR12 in certain conditions.

For more information e-mail Tebogo@sassda.co.za