industry perspective
Reliable market intelligence is becoming increasingly important across the sector. Through Sassda’s consultancy arm, we aim to create a specialist information hub that helps companies understand material flows, regional demand, import trends and changing market opportunities. Better information strengthens decision-making, whether a company is considering an investment, entering a new market or engaging with trade authorities. This edition also demonstrates how Sassda is working to translate localisation from policy into production. The nomination of Fabrinox and the National Stainless Steel Centre as potential suppliers to a German packaging equipment manufacturer shows what can happen when international requirements are matched with capable South African companies. Our technical support has also helped an American company replace an unusual material specification with locally available lean duplex stainless steel, enabling components to be manufactured in South Africa. These may begin as individual projects, but they can create activity across the value chain and establish pathways into global supply networks. South Africa still possesses substantial stainless steel expertise and manufacturing capability. However, that capacity cannot be sustained without demand, investment and a fair operating environment.
The challenge now is to turn the current window of protection into a platform for production. As the stories in this issue show, Sassda’s role is not only to represent its members, but to provide the intelligence, technical support and connections that help convert industry challenges into tangible commercial opportunities.
Enjoy the read!
Michel Basson, Sassda Executive Director
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Issue 3 – 2026
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