Capital Equipment News November 2023

CONSTRUCTION NEWS

Steel Awards boosts interest in construction projects

Inspiring steel value chain collaboration between architects, designers, engineers and construction companies delivering world class projects across the African continent was the highlight of the 2023 Steel Awards, presented by the Southern African Institute for Steel Construction (SAISC). This red carpet event was held at Emperor’s Palace, Gauteng on October 19 and themed Game of Thrones: not only to celebrate the proud legacy of steel through the ages and its pivotal contribution to civil isation but also the significant achievements of the South African steel sector. Every year, the SAISC-hosted Steel Awards provide an opportunity for stake holders across the industry and steel value chain - including designers, architects, engi neers, processors, merchants and fabrica tors - to present their work and be honoured for their outstanding achievements. Of particular interest to the judges this year was that many of the notable projects nominated were not confined to South Africa, but exported – and in some cases executed – across the continent. This was reflected in the number of

Pan-African projects which won awards and indicated that one of the SAISC’s long-held goals – is being realised. “Fabricators and manu facturers have really forged ahead and made a big leap into Africa. They have built structures in a way that has never been done before, delivering products and innovations which have never been seen before – not

An interior view of the Steel Awards 2023 overall winner, Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market.

only locally but across the continent,” says SAISC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Amanu el Gebremeskel. “For over a decade, we have been encouraging our industry not only to be a centre of manufacturing excellence but also to get involved in more advanced projects – producing products and innovations that have not been used before in the world. You would expect this in first-world economies like Europe, the US, South Korea or Japan. The fact that we can achieve this standard in South Africa is impressive! We always

hear that many large African projects are being created by Chinese, Indian or even American contractors. That does not have to be the case. We have the capacity and the engineering capability to do this and that is what the Steel Awards are all about,” Gebremeskel enthuses. He adds that many of the projects showcased at the SAISC 2023 Awards are iconic structures, which have made a lasting contribution to the built environment - and will be a testament to South African steel sector skill for many years. b

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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS NOVEMBER 2023