The latest issue of Sassda Stainless Steel Magazine is here, packed with fresh insight, bold ideas, and opportunities shaping the stainless steel industry across Southern Africa and the continent. From economic outlooks to architectural innovation and expanding African markets, this edition highlights the trends and expertise driving the sector forward.
ISSUE 4 2026
SASSDA’S SEARCHLIGHT TO 2030 & BEYOND
316 Stainless: FROM POWDER TO POSSIBILITY
Energy and Stainless: POWERING NEW DEMAND
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Industry Perspective A Year of Resilience, Renewal & Opportunity Sassda News Sassda Begins Review to Define its Future Role Sassda News CSIR Develops Local 316L Stainless Steel Powder for Additive Manufacturingy GPS Roundup Market Intelligence to boost business growth! State of the Stainless Steel Nation Low Growth and Import Pressure Put Local Stainless Steel Under Strain Professional Profile Daryll Croft Euro Steel - Experience, Integrity and the Future of Stainless Steel Demand Driver SA’s Energy Drive Opens New Markets for Stainless Steel Case Study The Silent Clock Inside Concrete - Why the Morandi Bridge Disaster Demands a Material Revolution
Technical Insight Precision by Design: Unlocking the Full Potential of Laser Welding Technical Insight Duplex Stainless Steel: The High-Performance Workhorse of Modern Industry Africa Country Profile Zambia’s Infrastructure Pipeline Opens New Doors for Stainless Steel Member News Sassda Positions Training as a Strategic Investment Member News Business, Bogeys and a Glorious Gauteng Day! Obituary Dave Martin: The People’s CEO
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industry perspective
A Year of Resilience, Renewal and Opportunity
Contact us
TELEPHONE NUMBER 011 883 0119
EMAIL info@sassda.co.za WEBSITE www.sassda.co.za
Sassda
MICHEL BASSON Executive Director michel@sassda.co.za
CALLUM SUTHERLAND Members & Communication callum@sassda.co.za MANKABE MORE Education & Training mankabe@sassda.co.za
TEBOGO NKWE Market Intelligence & Lobbying Tebogo@sassda.co.za KIM STEVENS Events, Email Marketing and Website kstevens@sassda.co.za
In this environment, resilience has meant finding ways to work smarter, strengthen capability and prepare for opportunities ahead. Companies across the sector continue to invest in productivity and more efficient processes, while drawing on the technical knowledge that helps them deliver quality, reliability and long-term value. These efforts matter in a market where growth cannot be taken for granted. Tough trade The pressures facing local manufacturers remain significant, particularly as import competition in stainless steel hollowware places domestic producers under strain and concerns about the volume and declared value of some imports call for careful, evidence-led investigation. Trade measures can help where harm is demonstrated, but they must be applied thoughtfully so that essential inputs remain accessible to local manufacturers. Trade policy, however, is only part of the answer: a stronger stainless steel value chain will also depend on addressing high energy and logistics costs, building skills, encouraging investment and ensuring that procurement gives local As we reach the final issue of the Sassda Stainless Steel Magazine for 2026, it is a good moment to reflect on a year that began with renewed optimism but soon became more challenging, as weak economic growth, rising costs and persistent pressure on freight, ports and energy kept demand subdued and left many businesses operating in a market that moved sideways rather than forward.
LUISE ALLEMANN Content, Social Media and the Stainless Steel Magazine luise@mediaink.co.za
JOSE HERON Accounts jose@sassda.co.za
The Stainless steel magazine is published quarterly and is distributed to stockists, distributors, fabricators, specifiers, consulting engineers, architects, mining, petrochemical and chemical industries, food beverage and pharmaceutical industries, consumer outlets, end-users, educational institutes and provincial and government departments. Sassda makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the contents of its publications, but no warranty is made as to such accuracy and no responsibility will be borne by the publisher or Sassda for the consequences of any actions based on information so published. All opinions, views and expressions contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the management of Sassda. The contents of this publication enjoy positive protection under the Copyright Act and therefore copyright thereof is expressly reserved. Any copying, publication and distribution of part or whole of the publication is prohibited unless consent is granted by Sassda.
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industry perspective
suppliers a fair opportunity to compete. This issue explores where that opportunity may lie, including infrastructure investment in water, wastewater, energy and rail, where projects could create dependable demand for locally made products while supporting more resilient public infrastructure. A ‘breath of fresh air’ South Africa can also build on its industrial strengths to serve markets across the continent; a theme explored in our Zambia country profile. Our technical articles, meanwhile, show how informed material selection and good design contribute to performance and service life. Together, these stories reflect the breadth of stainless steel’s role, from manufacturing and infrastructure to energy generation. That range of opportunity also raises important questions for Sassda as the association looks to its future. Our strategic review now under way will examine our purpose, member value, priorities and funding model, with the aim of ensuring that Sassda remains relevant and sustainable and that its work responds to the needs of the sector. To do that well, we need to hear from across the industry: established businesses, current and former members, prospective members, buyers and emerging leaders. The next generation has a particular role to play in shaping that future, which is why we are inviting nominations of young professionals with the insight, commitment and potential to serve on the Sassda Main Committee. New voices and perspectives will strengthen
the discussions that guide our industry. Please e-mail your nominations to callum@sassda.co.za.
As the year starts to draw to a close, I would like to thank our members, partners and contributors for their support and engagement throughout 2026. I wish you and your families a restful festive season and a well-earned break and look forward to returning in the new year with renewed energy to build on the opportunities ahead and continue working together for a stronger stainless steel sector.
Michel Basson, Sassda Executive Director
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sassda news
Sassda review to define its future role in stainless steel sector
A new research project will test the association’s purpose, member value and funding model against the changing needs of South Africa’s stainless steel industry… Sassda has begun a strategic review of its role in South Africa’s stainless steel industry, asking a fundamental question: what should the association be doing for the sector in the years ahead? The research will examine its purpose, services, membership proposition and funding model, with the aim of producing a practical strategy for 2027 and beyond. The decision follows a January 2026 workshop with Sassda’s board and industry leaders. The discussion began with potential projects but quickly widened into a more consequential examination of the association itself: the value it provides, the industry it represents and the capabilities it will need to remain relevant. Challenging times That review comes at a time of structural change. Sassda is funded by its members, and the resignation of a major funding member has underlined the risks of relying too heavily on a small number of contributors. At the same time, weak domestic demand, import pressure and changing opportunities for local manufacturing are reshaping the environment in which members operate. Sassda Chairperson Bernard Maguire explains, “The review is about making clear choices. Sassda has valuable expertise and strong industry relationships, but we need to be precise about where the association can make the
greatest difference and what it needs to deliver that value sustainably.” The project is intended to give Sassda an evidence- based view of where it can make the greatest contribution. Its strengths include technical knowledge, industry relationships, training capability and established communication platforms. The research will test how those assets can be directed towards current needs, and where the association should draw the limits of its mandate. Training, education and technical advice remain important to members. But early consultation has also pointed to demand for stronger networking and practical support in areas such as human resources, finance and logistics. The review will assess these needs alongside the cost, capability and funding required to meet them. It will also look beyond the existing membership. Current and former members, prospective members, buyers and other industry participants will be consulted, with particular effort made to hear from younger people and emerging leaders. Their views will help establish whether Sassda’s offer reflects the realities of the next generation of stainless steel businesses and professionals. In-depth insight The consultation programme will include segmented surveys, interviews and workshops, followed by selected sessions to test and verify findings. Where necessary, targeted engagement with government and labour may help confirm assumptions on policy, regulation and trade. The process will include safeguards for competition law and confidentiality. Maguire adds, “We want members and stakeholders to help shape the outcome from the start. Their experience will
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show us where Sassda is most useful, where the gaps are, and what a practical strategy for the next phase should look like.” The questions reach beyond which services Sassda should provide. Researchers will examine which parts of the value chain and which end markets the association should prioritise; what it should lead, coordinate, support or leave to other institutions; and what members would be willing to support financially. Governance, staffing, systems, partnerships and data capabilities will also be considered. Setting a course for success The outcome is expected to be an implementable institutional strategy, setting out a clear purpose, mandate, vision and strategic position. It will define what Sassda will and will not do, develop member propositions for different segments, and test those propositions against members’ willingness to participate and pay. Three- to five-year financial scenarios will inform a more balanced funding model. An operating model and costed implementation roadmap will translate those choices into action, with milestones, responsibilities, risks and performance measures. Some suitable initiatives may begin before the full strategy is complete, provided there is sufficient evidence, resourcing and accountability. Sassda will also receive tools to monitor progress and refresh the strategy as conditions change. The review is a significant undertaking, but its purpose is practical: to turn a broad set of expectations into choices the association can act on. For Sassda, the test will be whether a clearer mandate can strengthen member confidence, reduce funding concentration and support the stainless steel industry in ways that are relevant, credible and sustainable.
sassda news
CSIR develops local 316L stainless steel powder for additive manufacturing
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has produced spherical 316L stainless steel powder for additive manufacturing, identifying the material as an immediate commercial focus for its ultrasonic atomisation facility.
The development could help reduce South Africa’s reliance on imported metal powders and strengthen local advanced manufacturing. It also shows how the CSIR’s Future Production: Manufacturing Cluster is connecting research and technical capabilities with industry needs, with the Southern African Stainless Steel Development Association (SASSDA) facilitating engagement with the sector. The CSIR has characterised the powder and demonstrated its suitability for additive manufacturing by producing 3D-printed components, including a polishing tool and mechanical test specimens. Moving from demonstration to wider industrial use will require consistent quality, qualification against international specifications, reliable local feedstock and commercially viable production volumes and costs. CSIR Future Production: Manufacturing Cluster Manager Dr Luyolo Mabhali explains, “Our engagement with SASSDA is helping us understand the capabilities and needs of the stainless-steel industry, so that the Manufacturing Cluster’s work can respond to real opportunities for localisation and industrial application.” Sassda Market Intelligence and Lobbying Specialist Tebogo Nkwe adds, “An industry association can help ensure that technology development is informed by the needs of manufacturers and grounded in the realities of the market.
By connecting the CSIR with foundries and other industry players, Sassda can help identify practical interventions that support.” “Our engagement with Sassda is helping us understand the capabilities and needs of the stainless steel industry, so that the Manufacturing Cluster’s work can respond to real opportunities for localisation and industrial application.” Collaboration connects research with industry Sassda has facilitated engagement between the CSIR and several stainless-steel industry players and foundries. The discussions are helping the CSIR build a better understanding of local foundry capabilities and identify opportunities to strengthen the sector.
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sassda news
“Sassda has facilitated engagement between the
This engagement helps ensure that technology development responds to real manufacturing challenges and market needs. Industry associations can provide access to technical expertise, industry data, foundries, customers and wider stakeholder participation, helping identify practical interventions for localisation and improved competitiveness. The collaboration forms part of the CSIR’s Manufacturing Cluster’s strategy, which aims to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of South African manufacturing through localisation, industrial innovation and the development of high-value technologies that can be supported locally. The cluster brings together four capability areas: advanced materials and manufacturing; robotics and future production; photonics; and industrial sensors. Its capabilities include materials development and testing, metal processing, additive manufacturing, automation, digital manufacturing, sensing and monitoring. The CSIR’s priorities focuses on strategic sectors where localisation and industrial modernisation could make the greatest impact. These include automotive and new-energy mobility, rail, advanced materials and metals, aerospace and defence, medical devices, industrial machinery, and smart and sustainable manufacturing. Across these sectors, the focus is on strengthening local supply chains, developing future-ready skills and improving production.
From powder to industrial application The CSIR brings specialised expertise, research infrastructure and technology development capabilities to the initiative, including mechanical testing laboratories and specialised testing and manufacturing facilities. Its role is to help manufacturers address industrial challenges by developing and de-risking technologies, testing and validating materials and components, demonstrating solutions, and creating pathways for technology transfer. The cluster is also exploring opportunities for greater local processing, recycling and reuse of stainless steel including scrap utilisation, metal recycling, materials recovery, resource efficiency, waste reduction and energy-efficient manufacturing. In the powder project, off-specification material generated during processing could potentially be recovered and reused rather than disposed of. Scaling this and other localisation opportunities will depend on a clear market need, secure raw-material supply, appropriate industry partnerships, defined product specifications and applications, and a commercially viable approach to production. The CSIR aims to move more locally developed technologies beyond research and demonstration into industrial application. It says progress will be measured through technologies demonstrated, licensed or transferred to industry, joint technology development agreements, support for small, medium and micro enterprises, industrial adoption, and stronger use of the cluster’s technology platforms and facilities. For South Africa’s stainless-steel sector, local production of 316L powder offers a practical test of whether research capability can support new domestic supply and manufacturing opportunities. Its commercial success will depend on meeting industry requirements for quality, qualification, feedstock and cost, with collaboration helping to keep those needs in view as the technology develops. CSIR and several stainless steel industry players and foundries. The discussions are helping the CSIR build a better understanding of local foundry capabilities and identify opportunities to strengthen the sector.”
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gps roundup
Market Intelligence to Boost Business Growth Welcome to the highlights edition of the Sassda GPS eNewsletter, your go-to source for key developments shaping South Africa’s business, industrial, and economic landscape. Each month we distribute this popular market intelligence aggregator to an exclusive database of members and associates. This selection of the best articles from the last quarter, aims to extend access to this quality content by highlighting the top stories from the latest issues…
South Africa’s finances stabilise, but growth remains the real test South Africa’s public finances have stabilised, with debt forecast to level at 78.4% of GDP in 2025/26 and the budget deficit narrowing. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says the harder task is turning that progress into faster growth. Treasury has revised its 2026 growth forecast down to 1.2%, while infrastructure projects worth more than R217-billion are receiving support… Read more
IDC nears R10bn deal for ArcelorMittal SA The Industrial Development Corporation has reached an initial agreement to acquire ArcelorMittal South Africa in a transaction valued at about R10-billion. The proposed terms include R3-billion in cash and the assumption of roughly R7-billion in debt, with completion targeted by year-end, subject to a shareholder vote… Read more
South Africa’s US$122 billion energy expansion reinforces the importance of transmission infrastructure The Chinese-backed programme aims to add 105 GW of electricity generation capacity and approximately 14,500 kilometres of transmission lines by 2039. The initiative is expected to stimulate local manufacturing of transformers, cables, batteries and grid equipment. Stainless steel stands to benefit from demand for process equipment, containment systems, structural fabrication and corrosion-resistant components across substations, generation plants and battery-energy-storage installations... Read more
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SA’s infrastructure boom must become an engine for skills and jobs South Africa must use major infrastructure investments not only to build physical assets, but also to develop the skilled workforce the country needs and create pathways into employment. This is the vision behind the Construction Education and Training Authority’s strategic partnership with the V&A Waterfront, where a R24-billion expansion over the next 15 to 20 years is expected to generate approximately 27 000 construction-phase employment opportunities..... Read more
Three year plan to try and save Joburg National Treasury will undertake a three-year intervention to stabilise Johannesburg, working with the Development Bank of Southern Africa and other institutions despite uncertainty around the November municipal elections. Johannesburg accounts for about 15% of South Africa’s economic output, but governance failures, weak finances and unreliable services have left the city unable to meet basic obligations. A credible turnaround would matter to industry because municipal recovery underpins essential urban infrastructure.... Read more investment in substations, rail and port upgrades. Government is also investing R24-billion a year in municipal water and sanitation grants. He explicitly called for local manufacturing of fabricated steel, pumps, valves and engineering components. .... Read more Ramaphosa: R1 trillion infrastructure drive must rebuild SA’s infrastructure sector Addressing SEIFSA at a Presidential Business Breakfast, President Ramaphosa highlighted the need for 14,000 kilometres of new transmission lines, together with
State development finance institutions push for a bright post austerity future South Africa’s development finance institutions are being positioned as an important part of the country’s post-austerity growth story, with the potential to back projects that conventional finance may be slow to support. Their role is especially relevant to infrastructure, industrial development and businesses needing patient capital to expand… Read more
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Coega Steels launches R500m production expansion A new rolling mill in Nelson Mandela Bay marks a R500-million expansion of Coega Steels’ production capacity. With annual output of up to 150,000 tonnes, the plant will turn recycled scrap steel billets into reinforcing bar and other finished products for construction, manufacturing, engineering and infrastructure… Read more
Rail reform policy statement nears finalisation
Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager has published the fourth version of its Network Statement, a key document setting out how operators can access South Africa’s rail network. The updated framework clarifies capacity allocation, commercial arrangements and the responsibilities of rail participants... Read more
R980m Durban amusement park project moves ahead eThekwini Municipality has secured R980-million to redevelop the former Durban Funworld site on the city’s Golden Mile. The new park is planned as a year-round attraction, combining rides with digital and extended-reality experiences, retail and an events amphitheatre… Read more Eskom unbundling to be carefully sequenced over the next 18 months National Treasury director-general Duncan Pieterse says the planned transfer of Eskom’s grid assets to an independent Transmission System Operator over the next 18 months is a prerequisite for a more competitive electricity market. The process will be carefully sequenced and managed... Read more
South Africa names first wave of six green hydrogen projects The first six priority projects in South Africa’s national green hydrogen programme signal a move from planning towards investment and implementation. The portfolio spans sustainable aviation fuel, green ammonia, lower-emissions iron and steel, green methanol and domestic hydrogen demand... Read more
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state of the stainless steel nation
Low growth and import pressure put local stainless steel under strain
South Africa’s stainless steel sector is contending with sluggish demand, rising costs and questions about the pricing and volume of imported hollowware. Sassda Executive Director Michel Basson discusses the latest trading conditions, the practical effect of recent tariff changes and what industry and government can do to strengthen local manufacturing and build a more competitive value chain. Looking back over the past quarter, what has changed most for South Africa’s stainless steel sector? The year began on a more positive note than previous years, but that optimism was quickly overshadowed by rising fuel prices, higher living costs for workers and increased
operating costs for businesses. The wider economy remains in a low-growth cycle. The IMF’s October 2026 outlook projected South African growth of between 1.0% and 1.4% for the year. Growth was further affected by a 0.2% contraction in the second quarter, amid freight rail inefficiencies, port congestion and weak private investment. Public finances have remained relatively stable under tight spending frameworks, while inflation has hovered between 3.4% and 4.0%. These conditions shape the operating environment for industry. Members report little real growth, with market activity largely moving sideways. Business confidence has not disappeared, though. Companies are investing in laser cutters, laser welders and CNC forming equipment. These upgrades are primarily aimed at improving productivity and efficiency, rather than expanding capacity in response to stronger demand. South Africa increased duties on selected steel imports in May 2026. What has been the practical effect for the stainless steel sector?
The measures were introduced amid concerns about low-priced imports and mounting pressure on local
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manufacturing. Imported steel accounted for roughly 36% of South Africa’s total consumption, with China responsible for about 73% of those imports. Local producers have struggled to compete with products entering the market at prices that are difficult to match. The stainless steel sector has been largely unaffected by the changes so far. The revised duties use a tiered structure based on processing, distinguishing raw or semi-finished inputs from finished goods. The dtic also introduced rebates for products not made locally and a permit system for importing domestic hollowware. Members need clear, timely decisions to use these mechanisms effectively. Sassda is helping with rebate applications and awaiting updated SARS statistics to assess the effect.
one pot every four years, a rate considered consistent with international norms. From about 2024, however, the figures imply a much faster replacement rate of one pot every 1.5 years. That appears unlikely when stainless steel hollowware, with reasonable care, often lasts five years or more and household budgets remain under pressure. The declared import value raises a second concern. At about R13.23 per kilogram, it is below the cost of the raw materials needed to make stainless steel flat product, before the costs of manufacturing, logistics and packaging are included. Taken together, the volume and pricing data raise concerns about possible valuation problems, misclassification or customs misdeclaration. Sassda says targeted, evidence-led verification would help establish whether the market is competing fairly and allow enforcement to focus on substantiated cases. How should the sector respond to unfairly priced or dumped imports while keeping essential materials affordable for local manufacturers? Trade measures should be used where there is evidence of harm but applied carefully so they do not make essential inputs more expensive. Sassda can help members approach the dtic and ITAC with evidence to seek targeted duties on specific products or rebates where goods are not made locally. Applications can be complex and require clear supporting information. The aim is to protect viable local production and jobs while keeping necessary materials accessible and avoiding unintended costs elsewhere in the supply chain.
What have been the effects at a local level specifically?
Our members report that measures offer limited support to local producers and downstream manufacturers facing growing imports of both raw materials and finished products. Stainless steel hollowware is a particular concern. Domestic manufacturers, once an important part of the South African market, are facing intense competition from low-priced imports. Sassda says this has severely damaged local manufacturing, contributing to job losses and business closures. SARS data for HS 73239320 and HS 73239390, the codes covering these products, appear difficult to reconcile with likely household purchasing patterns. Sassda’s analysis suggests that from 2009 to 2023, families bought roughly
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state of the stainless steel nation
Beyond trade measures, what are the biggest barriers to a stronger local stainless steel value chain? The sector faces weak domestic demand, high electricity and transport costs, and global oversupply of some products. Low-cost imports add pressure, while freight and port constraints make moving goods harder and more expensive. Trade measures can support industry when used responsibly but cannot resolve these structural problems alone. Political uncertainty weighs on growth across the sector and the wider economy. A stronger value chain will also depend on skills, investment and procurement decisions that give local manufacturers a realistic opportunity to compete.
What would a more resilient and competitive stainless steel sector look like a year from now? A stronger sector would have an integrated supply chain, with local fabricators able to source specialised inputs reliably and affordably. It would be less dependent on broad tariff protection and better able to compete on quality, delivery and value. South Africa also has an opportunity to move beyond exporting raw chrome and unrefined materials towards producing higher-value stainless steel goods for markets across the African continent. What would help local manufacturers source the grades and inputs they need? SARS and ITAC should digitise and speed up the duty- free rebate permit system. Where a grade or gauge is not produced locally, import exemptions should be issued quickly, rather than leaving manufacturers waiting months and tying up cash flow. Industry and the dtic could co- fund local capacity for high-demand, high-grade products, reducing reliance on imported supply. Public procurement should consistently enforce local-content rules so state contracts support South African-made components and provide a dependable market for local manufacturers. Where can infrastructure investment create dependable demand? Government can prioritise locally made stainless steel in water and wastewater projects, including municipal pipe upgrades, desalination plants and treatment facilities. Energy projects, new transmission infrastructure and power-station retrofits can create demand for locally manufactured fasteners, structural frames and storage tanks. Rail investment is another opportunity: components for rolling stock and freight and passenger trains could be manufactured locally, supporting durable infrastructure while helping to anchor a stronger domestic manufacturing order book. What would make South African fabricators more competitive in export markets? Manufacturers need relief from energy and logistics constraints that undermine their ability to compete internationally. Government could simplify and accelerate refunds on imported raw materials used in exported, value-added products, improving cash flow and recognising the local value added. Incentives could be linked to export growth, with preferential freight allocations or suitable electricity tariffs helping firms expand into regional and global markets. Support with international certification, including ISO standards, would also help local companies qualify for demanding automotive, medical and aerospace .
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professional profile
Experience, Integrity and the Future of Stainless Steel
Daryll Croft’s career in the stainless steel industry spans more than two decades, beginning on the production floor and progressing through production planning, industrial sales and senior management. Today, as Sales and Operations Director for Euro Steel Johannesburg, he oversees the full business cycle, from procurement and warehouse logistics to sales and customer service. His experience has given him a practical understanding of the challenges facing South Africa’s stainless steel sector, including global competition, supply-chain constraints and the need for specialised skills. In this profile, Croft reflects on his career, the lessons he has learned and the opportunities shaping the industry’s future…
Please outline your background, including your education and how you entered the industry? I was born in Port Elizabeth and moved to Gauteng at a young age to complete my schooling. My commitment to professional development later led me to pursue part-time finance and management studies, including a Management Development Programme through the University of Stellenbosch, followed by an advanced strategic management course at INSEAD Business School in France. I began my career on the production floor, working night shifts on a cut-to-length line for a carbon steel company in Springs. From there, I moved into production planning before making the transition into industrial sales. My introduction to stainless steel came when I was approached by Stalcor. Although I had limited knowledge of the product at the time, the eight years I spent there were highly
formative. I benefited enormously from the guidance and mentorship of experienced people in the industry. In 2003, I joined Euro Steel, a move that has shaped the course of my career. What are some of the key work experiences or projects that have challenged you, shaped your skills and influenced your career? The most significant challenge has been adapting to the changing dynamics of global trade, particularly the arrival of high-quality, competitively priced stainless steel products from China. Earlier in my career, market pricing was more stable and local competition was less intense. Operating in today’s far more competitive environment requires constant strategic thinking to ensure that both Euro Steel and our customers remain competitive and resilient.
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What would you say are the biggest lessons you’ve learnt so far professionally, and personally? Professionally, I have learned that people are an organisation’s greatest asset. A business can only succeed if it has a strong, capable team behind it. Personally, I have learned that the stainless steel industry is a close-knit community. Professionalism, integrity and cordiality matter. Relationships endure, and it is important to maintain them as people move between companies and take on new roles over the course of their careers. What is your current position, and what does a typical day in your role involve? standard austenitic grades such as 304 and 316, with wider plate in duplex and super-duplex grades being used where greater durability is required” As Sales and Operations Director for Euro Steel’s Johannesburg office, I oversee the full business cycle. My responsibilities include warehouse logistics, sales performance and strategic procurement. Being involved in every aspect of the operation gives me a direct understanding of the challenges faced by our teams on the frontline. That insight helps me improve processes, encourage innovation and maintain a strong, service-oriented culture.. From your vantage point in the stainless steel supply chain, what changes are you seeing in how South African manufacturers source and use stainless steel? We are seeing a shift away from domestic sourcing towards imported alternatives, as well as an important change in the mining sector. Industrial applications are increasingly moving beyond standard austenitic grades such as 304 and 316, with wider plate in duplex and super-duplex grades being used where greater durability is required. The main operational challenges remain domestic logistics, particularly the inefficiencies at our ports and on the rail network. These make inventory management and the optimisation of working capital more difficult. At the same time, there is considerable opportunity to expand into African markets through carefully selected regional partnerships. That growth must be approached with an understanding of the risks involved, as cross-border regulatory requirements and governance standards can differ significantly from those in South Africa. “Industrial applications are increasingly moving beyond
In your experience, how important is skills development and technical knowledge to the successful use of stainless steel in African industrial projects?
The stainless steel sector is highly technical and metallurgical. At Euro Steel, we regard technical
competence as a basic requirement, not an optional extra. We need people who combine a sound understanding of metallurgy with commercial judgement. That combination is essential if we are to support the long-term development and sustainability of industrial infrastructure across Africa. At a broader level, what do you see as the biggest challenges facing South Africa’s stainless steel industry, and what practical or innovative approaches could help address them? The stainless steel sector is not insulated from the broader socioeconomic and institutional challenges facing South Africa. At Euro Steel, our response is to place accountability at the centre of the business, from the executive level down. We believe in leading by example and building a culture based on ethical behaviour, transparent decision- making and consistent compliance with the law and applicable regulations. What developments or innovations in stainless steel stand out to you and which sectors do you think offer the greatest potential for future growth? The global stainless steel industry is being shaped by three powerful forces: decarbonisation, pressure to improve cost efficiency and the need for materials that can perform in increasingly demanding environments. The move towards net-zero emissions is accelerating the adoption of lower- carbon manufacturing methods, including hydrogen- based reduction processes that could reduce reliance on traditional coking coal, and electric arc furnaces powered by renewable energy. Stainless steel is also 100% recyclable without losing its structural integrity. As environmental requirements become more demanding, mills are therefore looking closely at how they can increase the proportion of scrap used alongside primary material. Looking ahead, rapid urbanisation will create growing demand for infrastructure that is durable and efficient to maintain. Municipal utilities, including desalination plants, wastewater treatment facilities and bulk fluid transport pipelines, are increasingly turning to stainless steel because it can help prevent leakage and reduce maintenance costs over the life of an asset.
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demand driver
SA’s Energy Drive Opens New Markets for Stainless Steel
South Africa’s investment in energy infrastructure has implications well beyond the supply of electricity. For the stainless steel sector, it opens a market for locally fabricated equipment, piping and components, although the extent of that opportunity will depend on project delivery and the ability of local suppliers to meet demanding specifications.
corrosive environments all influence material selection. Access matters too. A component that is straightforward to replace in a workshop becomes a different proposition once installed in a remote plant or at height in a wind turbine. The purchase price of a material therefore tells only part of the story. Inspection, maintenance, replacement and the cost of taking equipment out of service need to be considered over the life of the installation. Stainless steel can offer an advantage on this basis, provided it is correctly specified and fabricated. That qualification matters. Stainless steel is a family of materials, and performance depends on the grade, the service conditions and the quality of the finished component. Poor welding or an unsuitable grade can undermine the very benefits for which the material was selected. Nuclear sets a demanding benchmark Nuclear power illustrates the importance of getting those decisions right. Plants such as Koeberg rely on equipment that must retain its integrity over long operating periods, with close attention to inspection and maintenance.
Much of the debate centres on which technologies will provide the country’s future power. Less attention goes to the equipment needed to keep those plants operating, often for decades, in conditions that are hard on materials. Corrosion in a cooling circuit or the failure of a relatively small component can have consequences far beyond its replacement cost. Stainless steel’s value lies in matching the grade to the application, whether that involves salt-laden coastal air, process water or repeated heating and cooling. The commercial case is strongest where longer service life and fewer maintenance interventions justify the initial outlay. For local manufacturers and fabricators, the market spans established applications in power generation and water treatment, as well as newer opportunities in hydrogen. These are quite different markets, however, and should not be treated as one assured pipeline of demand. The cost of keeping plants running Energy infrastructure is built for long service, but the conditions under which it operates are seldom forgiving. Temperature changes, pressure, mechanical loading and
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demand driver
Solar and wind bring different demands Solar installations present a different set of conditions. Equipment is spread across large sites and exposed to the weather for years. Fasteners, mounting components and cable-management systems may be modest items individually, but their durability matters across an installation expected to remain in service for 25 years or more. Stainless steel has a role in these applications where the exposure conditions and maintenance requirements support its use. It should not be assumed that every solar structure requires stainless steel; the choice has to make engineering and commercial sense for the site. Concentrated solar power adds the demands of elevated temperatures and thermal cycling. Here, material selection for heat-transfer piping, tanks and process equipment must account for the operating temperature and the medium being handled. Corrosion resistance alone is not enough to establish suitability. Wind energy brings coastal exposure into sharper focus. Salt-laden air and moisture can make corrosion a persistent maintenance concern, particularly where components are difficult to reach. Stainless steel can be used in fasteners, hydraulic equipment and access components, with grade selection reflecting the severity of exposure. Duplex grades of stainless steel offer a combination of strength and resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion that can be useful in aggressive environments. Even so, the specification needs to address the actual conditions, including locations where moisture and salts may collect. A broad description such as “coastal” is only a starting point. “Green hydrogen offers a potentially significant market for stainless steel equipment, but the scale and timing of local demand will depend on projects moving into construction and operation.” Hydrogen warrants closer attention Green hydrogen offers a potentially significant market for stainless steel equipment, but the scale and timing of local demand will depend on projects moving into construction and operation. For fabricators, that distinction is important when assessing where to commit capacity and develop skills. The production chain brings together several applications, from water treatment and electrolysers to compression, storage and process piping. Each places its own demands on materials. Pressure, temperature, cleanliness and the behaviour of materials in contact with hydrogen all need to be considered. Stainless steel has an established role in parts of this chain, but there is no single grade suitable for every hydrogen application. In particular, high strength and corrosion
Stainless steel applications in nuclear facilities include cooling circuits, heat exchangers, pumps, valves and piping. Austenitic grades such as 304L and 316L are used in appropriate applications for their corrosion resistance and weldability, although material requirements vary considerably between systems. For suppliers, the attraction of this market comes with exacting requirements. The opportunity is tied to the ability to deliver components to the required specification, with the fabrication quality and documentation that nuclear work demands. Longevity is an engineering requirement here, rather than a general selling point. “Duplex grades of stainless steel offer a combination of strength and resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion that can be useful in aggressive environments.”
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Issue 4 – 2026
demand driver
Turning investment into local work The breadth of these applications gives the stainless steel industry reason to pay attention to energy investment. It also calls for a more selective view of the market. Maintenance work at an existing plant, components for a solar installation and equipment for a proposed hydrogen facility involve different procurement cycles and levels of certainty. Local suppliers will need to identify where their capabilities fit, understand the specifications and establish relationships with the companies procuring the equipment. There is a practical case, too, for making lifecycle costs part of those discussions, particularly where maintenance access is difficult or an unplanned shutdown would be expensive. South Africa’s energy needs create scope for stainless steel to contribute across several technologies. How much of that becomes local manufacturing work will come down to the less glamorous business of project execution, procurement and getting the engineering right. “The breadth of these applications gives the stainless steel industry reason to pay attention to energy investment. It also calls for a more selective view of the market.”
resistance do not, on their own, establish that a material is suitable for hydrogen service. Selection requires assessment against the relevant operating conditions and design requirements. The industrial opportunity extends to the fabrication of vessels, piping and associated equipment. Securing that work locally will require manufacturers to engage with project specifications early and demonstrate that they can meet the necessary quality requirements. An announced project does not automatically translate into orders for South African workshops. Water remains part of the equation Water infrastructure deserves attention alongside the more prominent energy technologies. Cooling, treatment and process-water systems are essential to many energy installations, while hydrogen production also requires a dependable supply of suitably treated water. Pumps, tanks, filters and piping offer familiar applications for stainless steel. In desalination and other aggressive water environments, the choice of grade becomes particularly important. Water chemistry and operating conditions have to guide the specification rather than a general expectation that stainless steel will resist all forms of corrosion. For the local industry, these applications may offer a more immediate route into energy-related work than some of the emerging technologies. They draw on fabrication capabilities already used in water treatment and industrial processing, although each contract will bring its own technical requirements.
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case study
The Silent Clock Inside Concrete Why the Morandi Bridge Disaster Demands a Material Revolution
When the bridge opened in 1967, it was hailed as an engineering achievement. Designed by Riccardo Morandi, it used an unusual cable-stayed system. Rather than leaving the steel cable bundles exposed, the design encased prestressing tendons in concrete sheaths. Concrete’s naturally alkaline environment can help protect embedded steel by forming a passive layer on its surface. The approach, however, made inspection of the tendons difficult and left the structure dependent on a small number of key stays. These features became central to later debate about the bridge’s condition, maintenance and design. The Morandi collapse should not be reduced to a single material choice or cause; investigations examined a complex combination of design, deterioration, monitoring and maintenance. The bridge stood less than a kilometer from the Mediterranean. Over time, moisture and chlorides can penetrate concrete through pores and cracks. If they reach
On the morning of 14 August 2018, a 210-metre section of Genoa’s Ponte Morandi Motorway Bridge collapsed into the Polcevera river valley. Thirty vehicles fell about 45 metres; 43 people died. The disaster severed a major transport link and prompted a lengthy criminal investigation. For engineers, asset managers and policymakers, the collapse remains a stark reminder of the risks that can accumulate inside ageing infrastructure, out of sight..
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case study
carbon steel reinforcement, they can disrupt its protective passive layer and initiate corrosion, including localised pitting. Corrosion can reduce the steel’s effective cross- section and compromise its performance. Where steel is concealed inside concrete, detecting deterioration early can be challenging. The real cost of “cheap” infrastructure Carbon steel remains the default reinforcement choice in many projects, in part because its initial material cost is lower. In coastal areas, structures exposed to de-icing salts and other aggressive environments, however, the purchase price is only one part of the calculation. Maintenance, repair, access and disruption over a structure’s life also carry significant costs. To illustrate the difference, the Sassda life-cycle cost calculator was used to model a hypothetical 100-year infrastructure project requiring 100 tonnes of reinforcement The example applies a 3% public-sector discount rate to future maintenance costs. Its results depend on the assumptions used, but they show how repair costs can change the comparison over time.
What the model shows The example assumes duplex stainless steel, such as Grade 2205, at $3 500 per tonne, compared with $1 000 per tonne for carbon steel. The stainless steel option carries a higher initial material cost. Once labour, civil works and concrete are included, the model puts the difference in total project cost at $250 000: $850 000 for the stainless steel option against $600,000 for carbon steel. In the model, a major carbon steel repair in year 35 costs $650 000. Discounted to present value, that repair is $230 999. At that point,
Cost Component
Carbon Steel Reinforcement
Duplex Stainless Steel (DX 2205)
Material Unit Cost
$1 000 /tonne
$3 500 /tonne
Total Rebar Cost (100 tonnes)
$1 000
$350 00
Initial Placement (Concrete & Labour)
$500 00
$500 00
Initial CAPEX Total
$600 00
$850 00
Year 35 Repair Cost (Direct + Traffic)
$650 00
$0
Year 70 Repair Cost(Direct + Traffic)
$650 00
$0
NPV of Future Maintenance
$313 092
$0
Total 100-Year life-Cycle Cost
$913 092
$850 00
Net Financial Savings
Baseline
$630 092 (7.0 % Savings)
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