Celebrating 60 years of brilliance with the triumphant return of the Stainless Steel Awards
A significant milestone for the South African stainless steel industry is this year’s celebration of the 60th anniversary of Sassda’s official establishment in July 1964 – highlighting its rich legacy and pivotal role in supporting and advancing the industry. The year 2024 is also notable for the return of the long-standing Sassda & Columbus Stainless Awards recognising and applauding exceptional achievements within the stainless steel industry.
Following a five-year hiatus due to calamitous global events, the comeback of the awards is especially welcome amid relentless challenges that have only strengthened Sassda’s resolve to remain relevant and sustainable.
The theme of this year’s event aligns with the global shift towards responsible use of Earth’s resources: sustainability. In line with this theme, award categories include sustainability, business excellence and export achievement. Additionally, they recognise the best products or projects using austenitic, ferritic and duplex stainless steel grades.
Our well-balanced and knowledgeable judging panel faced the challenging but exciting task of selecting winners from a wide range of entries. The remarkable winners and runners up feature in this special edition of the Sassda Stainless Steel Magazine. Thanks to the sponsors, this event successfully acknowledges staunch Sassda supporters and significant contributors to the local industry and its global reputation.
Exemplary quality and professionalism across the industry is also evident in this year’s award entries – entrants worked hard to present their eligibility and our judging panel invested long hours in determining award winners.
As awards may not always reflect the immense effort and dedication of the teams and individuals involved in planning, specifying, fabricating and executing recognised projects, honour the people who keep the industry’s wheels turning by contributing to economic growth, job creation and a better environment for future generations. The awards celebrate the tenacity, resilience and teamwork characteristic of the South African stainless steel industry. Essentially, the event celebrates the sustainability of the industry, Sassda and its members.
The 2024 Sassda & Columbus Stainless Awards highlight the positive aspects of the past six years and celebrate the crucial role of stainless steel in building an industry that sustains people, the planet and the economy. The brilliance of South African stainless steel is set to benefit the country for at least another 60 years to come.
Michel Basson
Sassda Executive Director
