professional profile
investment and collaboration, we are helping shape a more resilient, low-carbon future for the stainless steel industry.
throughout the entire stainless steel value chain, affecting investment, employment, skills development and local industrial capability. Over the next five years, I would like to see South Africa become more competitive within the global marketplace, rather than simply becoming a larger market for imported products. Achieving this will require a coordinated effort between industry, state-owned enterprises and government. We need policies that support local manufacturing, greater investment in infrastructure, more reliable and cost-effective logistics and energy, and an operating environment that enables South African businesses to compete on quality, innovation and efficiency. While the challenges are significant, I remain optimistic. The political and economic reforms currently underway offer an opportunity to rebuild confidence and create a more supportive environment for investment. If we can improve competitiveness and work together across the value chain, I believe we can unlock meaningful growth in the consumption of locally produced stainless steel and build a stronger, more resilient industry for the future. Which industries do you believe will drive the next phase of growth for stainless steel in South Africa and globally? One of the most exciting innovations we are working on, is processing redundant mine dumps. Through significant investment in research and advanced processing technologies, we have developed the capability to recover valuable elements that were once considered unrecoverable. These materials can now be returned to the production cycle as high-quality secondary raw materials, reducing waste, conserving natural resources and supporting more sustainable stainless steel production. We have also developed specialised products for the welding industry, demonstrating how innovation can create new applications for recycled materials while reinforcing the principles of the circular economy. These developments show that recycling is no longer simply about recovering materials. It is about unlocking new value through technology and innovation. Looking ahead, I believe South Africa’s next phase of industrial growth will depend on greater investment in infrastructure and the continued support of strategic manufacturing sectors, particularly the automotive industry. The automotive sector remains one of the country’s most important industries, having made substantial investments in manufacturing capacity, skills development and job creation over many years. However, increasing logistics challenges, infrastructure constraints and growing competition from imported vehicles continue to place significant pressure on its competitiveness. If South Africa can improve logistics, strengthen infrastructure and create an environment that supports local manufacturing and value addition, industries such as automotive and stainless steel will be well positioned for long-term growth.
How important is technical knowledge and skills development to ensuring the successful use and recycling of stainless steel? The industry is evolving quickly. Technology, automation and improved processing efficiencies are transforming the way stainless steel is produced, recycled and manufactured However, while technology is an important enabler, it is people who ultimately drive innovation. Skilled engineers, metallurgists, boilermakers, welders, fabricators and manufacturers remain fundamental to the continued growth and success of the industry. Organisations such as Sassda are already making a valuable contribution through their range of stainless steel training courses, which provide practical knowledge and skills development across the industry. I believe more companies should take advantage of these courses by encouraging employees, from sales teams and procurement staff to welders, fabricators and fitters, to participate. The better people understand stainless steel, its applications and its long-term value, the better equipped they are to recommend, specify and work with the material. Ultimately, building a stronger skills base benefits the entire industry. It improves product quality, encourages innovation, supports sustainable manufacturing and helps grow confidence in stainless steel as the material of choice. The more knowledgeable advocates we have across the value chain, the greater the opportunity to expand stainless steel consumption and strengthen South Africa’s manufacturing sector. What do you see as the South African stainless steel sector’s biggest challenges over the next five years, and where do the greatest opportunities lie? There is nothing inherently wrong with global competition. In fact, healthy competition drives innovation, efficiency and continuous improvement. My concern arises when the playing field is no longer level. South Africa has become increasingly reliant on imported products, often to the detriment of our local mills, manufacturers, fabricators and engineering companies. The impact has been felt “Building a stronger skills base... improves product quality, encouragesinnovation, supports sustainable manufacturing and helps grow confidence in stainless steel as the material of choice”
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Issue 3 – 2026
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