Construction World August 2023

ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION (SAISC) Founded in 1956, the South African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) represents all facets of the steel construction industry as well as those with an interest in the use of steel in all sectors of business and society as a whole. The mission of the SAISC is also to promote the holistic vigour and prosperity of the people and companies in South Africa that provide steel-related products or services. The SAISC has a number of member associations: namely, the Southern African Light Steel Frame Building Association (SASFA) and the Southern African Metal Cladding and Roofing Association (SAMCRA). SAISC members include the steel mills, merchants and value-added processors and service centres, steelwork contractors, companies that provide services or products such as fasteners, paint and a variety of other products, client bodies, architects, specifiers, consulting engineers, project managers, quantity surveyors, engineering procurement and contract management contractors and assorted others. aligned with our ethos, and our goals to support quality and professionalism in the steel value supply chain. And we would like companies and groups that share our vision to invest their resources and their support because they wish to be part of ensuring there is a vibrant, sustainable and strong SAISC – empowered to serve the interests of the entire steel value chain – going forward,” he says. 

sponsorship so the Institute can attend these events and for members – representatives of companies, or groups – to accompany the SAISC. To this end - while sending delegates abroad is expensive - the business development potential for the industry is vast, Gebremeskel explains. “For example, if a South African fabricator manages to win a 3 000 ton job, even if they spent R1 million to go and do this, it makes sense. It’s still very affordable when compared with the potential return-on-investment in the form of excellent new business,” he says. While it is true that conference visits do not always bring immediate benefits, Gebremeskel likens their value to the metaphorical stone cast into water: it causes ripples, the results of which can be far-reaching. He says the by facilitating attendance at global steel events, the Institute is providing members with a ‘calling card’ that allows them to cast those stones into the proverbial ‘pool’ of business development opportunities. In this way, members attending can benefit from reputational endorsement and direct access to players working on large multi-national steel projects. Selective sponsorship Gebremeskel says the SAISC will be selective about sponsors for the various ‘brand for hire’ revenue generating initiatives it has planned, aiming to team up with member companies which do quality work, strive for technical excellence and which are legally compliant. More than this, he says SAISC seeks partners which share its vision. “We would like our brand to be hired by companies

41 CONSTRUCTION WORLD AUGUST 2023