industry perspective
Sassda remains fully committed to representing your interests, whether through trade advocacy, export readiness support, or technical knowledge sharing. Our collective future lies in staying informed, working together, and leaning into the opportunities that change can bring. Thank you for your continued support and engagement.
This edition also highlights the shifting dynamics in the automotive sector , where stainless steel is set to play an even bigger role in the rise of electric and hydrogen vehicles. The industry is under pressure, particularly in light of U.S. tariffs on South African auto exports but within that pressure lies opportunity. With SAAM2035 setting ambitious targets for localisation, we explore how stainless steel can become a growth enabler in everything from battery enclosures to lightweight crash structures. On the broader African stage, our coverage of Manufacturing Indaba 2025 explores exciting developments tied to AfCFTA, green industrialisation, and regional logistics improvements, all of which intersect with the stainless steel sector. Likewise, our North Africa market report shines a light on Morocco and Algeria, where rapid infrastructure and energy developments are creating new demand for our products and skills. In our Professional Profile , we proudly feature Craig Bateman of Innov-X-Africa , one of Sassda’s most loyal and forward-thinking members. Craig’s hands-on leadership and dedication to local manufacturing excellence reflects what’s possible when innovation meets integrity. We also showcase the story of African Sinks , a business committed to delivering high-quality, durable products that compete head-on with imported alternatives. And our technical case study on stainless steel in hydrometallurgical plants reinforces the critical role of informed material selection and life cycle thinking in high-risk, capital-intensive applications. All of these stories point to one thing: resilience, not resignation. While the challenges we face are real; energy costs, global trade shifts, skills shortages, we are also seeing growing clarity, momentum, and purpose across the sector.
Michel Basson, Sassda Executive Director
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Issue 3 – 2025
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