state of the stainless steel nation
can help drive job-creating projects. In particular, targeted import-replacement initiatives could unlock new fabrication opportunities and generate employment. Skills development and workforce readiness remain persistent issues across the sector. How can businesses and industry bodies better align technical training with evolving needs in fabrication, design, and materials handling? Skills development remains a key issue, but it’s not just about academic qualifications. Fabrication still relies on many manual skills that can’t be taught in a classroom. By formally identifying and structuring training for these skills, the industry can make a real impact. Additionally, not all needed skills are technical and soft skills such as leadership, productivity, and management are just as important. Workforce readiness means having a well-rounded skill set that supports global competitiveness. Looking ahead, which indicators such as policy shifts, project pipelines, or private sector sentiment, would give you confidence in a stronger stainless steel trajectory over the next 12 to 24 months? While global trends are important, the local stainless steel industry’s stability will largely depend on how trade negotiations between the U.S. and South African governments unfold. Sassda hopes to secure stronger protections for local fabricators and new market access for exporters. As conditions shift rapidly, Sassda’s priority will be keeping members informed and helping the local industry stay one step ahead in a fast-changing environment.
are winning on cost or simply on price, which may reflect government subsidies, lower quality, or other distortions. Sassda will investigate such issues and act accordingly. Exporters also need support to become more competitive, and expanding into new markets will be a key Sassda focus. In the medium to long term, opportunities include developing new products, new applications for stainless steel, and replacing galvanised or coated mild steel where feasible. A potential game-changer remains a government- backed nuclear build. “The key to stainless steel growth lies in enabling downstream fabricators to be profitable, competitive, and protected from unfair imports.” Investment in downstream processing and value-added manufacturing is often cited as a growth enabler. What are some of the practical barriers to unlocking this potential, and what kinds of public-private collaboration might help overcome them? At a recent Sassda webinar, economist Dawie Roodt noted that the era of traditional factory work may be ending in developed economies. However, South Africa’s context is different. Job creation is vital, and many are willing to do any work available. This puts pressure on the industry to grow in a way that creates value and jobs. Barriers include low skill levels (not necessarily a lack of formal education) and slow or stagnant economic growth. Many blame government policies and misplaced labour regulations for limiting growth. Public-private collaboration
15
Issue 3 – 2025
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online