Southern African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC)

10/06/2026

What happens when fabricators are brought into the conversation earlier?

In the latest SAISC industry interview, Bryan Wilkon and Johnny from B&T Steel share valuable insights into how early fabricator engagement can improve project outcomes, reduce risk, enhance buildability and create greater value across the steel construction supply chain.

From design optimisation and cost certainty to programme efficiency and collaboration, the discussion highlights why stronger engagement between engineers, fabricators, contractors and clients is essential for delivering successful steel projects.

A worthwhile read for anyone involved in the design, specification, procurement or delivery of steel structures.

Read the full interview here:
https://ow.ly/uAnr50Z9M9Q

A conversation with Bryan Wilken, Director, and Johnny van Vuuren, Operations Manager, of B&T Steel Construction South Africa’s structural steel industry has enormous potential. It employs skilled people, produces world-class buildings, and sits at the heart of the country’s construction economy...

05/06/2026

On World Environment Day, we recognise the role that thoughtful design, responsible construction and durable materials play in creating a more sustainable future.

Steel continues to be one of the world's most versatile construction materials, offering benefits that extend well beyond the construction phase:

✔ Long service life and durability
✔ Reusability and adaptability
✔ Recyclability without loss of performance
✔ Reduced material waste through precision fabrication
✔ Support for efficient and innovative building solutions

As our industry continues to evolve, sustainability is not only about what we build, but how we build it — creating structures that deliver long-term value for people, communities and future generations.

Together, we can continue building a stronger, more resilient and sustainable built environment.

03/06/2026

What does true industry sustainability look like?
It is about more than surviving today's challenges.

A sustainable steel industry requires continued investment in the foundations that support long-term growth:

✔ Skills development and technical training
✔ Industry collaboration and knowledge sharing
✔ Quality-focused practices and accountability
✔ Technical credibility across the value chain
✔ Long-term confidence and resilience

As markets evolve and pressures increase, the future of steel construction will depend not only on what we build, but on our ability to develop people, maintain standards and strengthen industry capability.

These are not short-term priorities. They are long-term commitments.

In our latest blog, we explore why industry sustainability requires more than short-term survival and what is needed to support a stronger future for steel construction in Southern Africa.

Read the full article:
https://ow.ly/hcsA50Z6Zkk

Rising costs and economic pressure are reshaping South Africa's industrial landscape. SAISC explores why long-term industry sustainability demands more than survival. It requires technical excellence, skills investment, and collaboration.

01/06/2026

Reminder: Our next SAISC Technical Q&A Session takes place on Wednesday. Have you registered?

Join us for an insightful technical discussion on:
Design of light-gauge steel roof structures – a SANS perspective: what to look out for

Presented by Paul Gadzikwa from MiTek South Africa.

📅 3 June 2026
⏰ 13:00 – 14:00
💻 Online via Zoom

As quality, compliance and practical specification continue to shape the future of steel construction, this session offers valuable technical insight for the industry.

Secure your spot here: https://ow.ly/VhxA50Z66Ez or reach out to [email protected]

29/05/2026

Steel is trusted for its strength, resilience and ability to perform under pressure.

It is adaptable, dependable and designed to stand the test of time.

The same can be said of the people and businesses that make up South Africa's steel construction industry.

Every day, engineers, fabricators, detailers, merchants, erectors and project teams work together to deliver structures that support economic growth, infrastructure development and the communities they serve.

At SAISC, we are proud to represent a network of professionals and organisations committed to quality, integrity and excellence in steel construction.

Like steel itself, our industry's strength is built on quality, collaboration and trust — bringing together diverse expertise to create structures that stand the test of time.

Here's to the people, partnerships and projects that continue to shape our built environment.

Whether you're looking for trusted industry information, verified members, award-winning projects, technical guidance, training opportunities or the latest industry developments, you'll find it at www.saisc.co.za.

27/05/2026

Have you registered for our upcoming SAISC Technical Q&A Session?

Topic
Design of light-gauge steel roof structures – a SANS perspective: what to look out for

Speaker
Paul Gadzikwa
Technical & Engineering Services Executive Pr Tech Eng, Residential South Africa at MiTek South Africa

📅 3 June 2026
⏰ 13:00 – 14:00
💻 Online via Zoom

This session will explore key considerations around the design, specification and compliance of light steel roof structures within the South African context.

An important discussion for engineers, designers, fabricators and industry professionals working with light steel framing systems.

Register here: https://ow.ly/mgH750Z4bpT

25/05/2026

Strong leadership continues to shape the future of South Africa’s metal, engineering and energy sectors.

We are proud to see SAISC Chairwoman Nicolette Skjoldhammer (Betterect) featured among the women driving innovation, resilience and progress across industry in The Women Taking Charge of the Metal & Engineering Sector — part of the broader conversation surrounding SEIFSA’s 2025 Businesswoman of the Year Awards.

This feature highlights the experiences, lessons and leadership perspectives of women contributing meaningfully to the advancement of engineering, manufacturing and infrastructure development in South Africa.

An important and inspiring industry conversation.

📖 Read the full feature here:
https://ow.ly/3omI50Z3KJi

If anything unites the finalists of SEIFSA’s 2025 Businesswoman of the Year Award, it’s their resilience, high EQ and their willingness to learn from mistakes. The women — Nicolette Skjoldhammer, Chief Executive Officer of Betterect; Pam du Plessis, Chief Executive […]

22/05/2026

Developing a credible quality programme starts with one thing: Testing assumptions in the real world.

The SAISC Material Quality Certification Programme technical committee is currently conducting practical experimentation and verification testing on steel materials as part of the ongoing development of the programme specification.

Working alongside industry partners such as TASS Engineering, who offered the use of their facility and steel stock for the testing process, the committee is evaluating practical methods that could help suppliers, merchants and fabricators verify whether incoming steel material aligns with accompanying mill certificates in a more accessible and cost-effective way.

This includes exploring impact testing and other practical proxy methods that may assist suppliers, merchants and fabricators in identifying potential material discrepancies without relying solely on highly specialised or expensive testing procedures.

The goal is not to replace advanced laboratory testing — but to identify realistic verification methods that can strengthen confidence, traceability and material accountability throughout the supply chain.

The testing and experimentation process will continue over the coming weeks as part of the committee’s broader work in developing the certification requirements and technical specifications for the programme.

This is the kind of practical industry collaboration required to build a stronger, more quality-focused steel sector.

20/05/2026

A routine inspection in the paint bay saved a project, and potentially lives, from disaster.

When veteran steel fabricator Tim Tasioulas and Managing Director of Tass Engineering discovered a crack in his steel, it was the start of a journey into systemic supply chain failures in the South African steel industry.

From hidden costs to the critical need for independent testing, Tim shares what he learned after sourcing what was sold as ‘S355’ steel, only to find it was anything but.

Read the full breakdown on the risks fabricators face when the lowest price becomes the only priority: https://ow.ly/hL1m50YUulx

Tim Tasioulas, a veteran in the structural steel fabrication industry, was walking through his paint bay which is a habit, he says, more than a formal inspection. He was eyeing paint quality when something caught his attention on one of the angles. He reached down to brush it away. His nail sank int...

20/05/2026

Have you registered for today’s SAISC Technical Q&A Session?

Join us for “Structural Hollow Sections Essentials for Designers” presented by Kieran Butroid from Tata Steel.

This technical CPD session will unpack:
• Structural hollow section manufacturing
• Standards, testing and traceability
• EN 10210 vs EN 10219
• Specification and fabrication considerations
• Sustainability ambitions within modern steelmaking

A valuable session for engineers, designers, fabricators and steel industry professionals focused on quality and informed specification.

📍 Online
⏰ 13:00 – 14:00

Click here to register for this session: https://ow.ly/J6xF50Z1GiS