The 2024 Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) and Columbus Stainless Awards gala dinner marked a significant showcase of innovation, sustainability and excellence. 

Attended by 200 of South Africa’s stainless steel sector professionals, including manufacturers, suppliers, fabricators and designers, the event heralded the return of these prestigious awards after a five-year hiatus.  

Celebrating 60 years of stainless steel excellence in South Africa, the awards honoured individuals and companies who have made significant contributions to the industry.  

Exceptional work 

Sassda Executive Director, Michel Basson

Welcoming guests, Sassda executive director, Michel Basson, remarked: “We are proud to not only honour the companies and individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the stainless steel industry, but also highlight the crucial role our industry plays in supporting people, the planet and the South African economy.” 

Key winners 

Sustainability 

Winner: Eco Clarity – innovative technology in recovering fats, oils and grease from food service establishments, and converting waste into biodiesel, using 304L stainless steel components. 

Runner-up: Mpumatech – recognised for its sustainable solution in mining, replacing corroding mild steel split sets. 

Special merit 

Venter Consulting – groundbreaking work in manufacturing closed vane impellers, raising standards of innovation and manufacturing excellence. 

Duplex stainless steel 

Winner: ND Engineering – work on the multipurpose pulp tank for Sappi Ngodwana, highlighting the benefits of duplex stainless steel in production efficiency. 

Runner-up: ND Engineering – exceptional use of duplex stainless steel in Sappi Saiccor’s Project Vulindlela. 

Business excellence 

Winner: ND Engineering – acknowledged for its relentless focus on creating customer value through innovation and leadership in the stainless steel industry. 

Runner-up: Anderson Engineering – recognised for its quality, innovation and customer engagement in the food, pharmaceutical and personal care sectors. 

Ferritic stainless steel  

Winner: Mpumatech – for its innovative use of stainless steel split sets in underground mining, improving safety and efficiency in challenging environments. 

Runner-up: Guardiar – for reducing complexity and environmental impact through innovative use of ferritic stainless steel. 

Export achievement 

Winner: Ener-G-Africa – advanced biomass stove and eCO2pot, providing sustainable energy solutions to millions across sub-Saharan Africa. 

Runner-up: ND Engineering – for its contributions to global energy-saving technologies and the supply of complex stainless steel components to Europe. 

Austenitic stainless steel  

Winner: Fabrinox – collaboration with Eco Clarity on a sustainable management system for fats, oils and grease waste. 

Runner-up: Vinco Steel – recognised innovative handling of grapes in the wine industry. 

Lifetime Achievement Award 

The gala also honoured Sakkie Nel, who was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long contribution to the stainless steel sector. Nel’s leadership and vision have left an enduring impact on the industry. 

Overall winner 

The evening culminated in ND Engineering being awarded the overall winner title, thanks to its consistent excellence across multiple categories. The South African owned company was lauded for setting industry benchmarks in innovation, sustainability and customer value creation. 

Chairperson’s remarks 

Sassda Chairperson, Bertus Griesel

Reflecting on the evening, Sassda chairperson, Bertus Griesel, stated: “As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Sassda, we not only honour our rich history but also look towards an exciting future filled with new challenges and opportunities. 

“This milestone is a testament to the collective vision, resilience and dedication of our industry. The achievements recognised tonight reflect the innovative spirit and commitment to excellence that will guide us into the next chapter of our journey.” 

The Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) and Columbus Stainless Awards return after a five-year hiatus to celebrate excellence within the industry. 

Full thanks and acknowledgement go to https://sassda.co.za for the information in this article. To read a full overview of the winners, click here for a special awards issue of the Sassda Stainless Steel magazine: https://sassda.co.za