Construction World November 2023

STEEL CONSTRUCTION

STEEL FOR AFRICA! 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).

Steel Awards 2023 overall winner - members of the project team with Amanuel Gebremeskel, CEO of the SAISC (3 rd from the left) and project judge Spencer Erling.

T his red carpet event, commonly referred to as the ‘Oscars of the steel industry’ 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 civilisation, but also the significant achievements of the South African steel sector. Every year, the SAISC-hosted Steel Awards provide an opportunity for stakeholders across the industry and steel value chain - including designers, architects, engineers, processors, merchants and fabricators - to present their work and be honoured for their outstanding achievements. Forging head in Africa 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 manufacturers 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 only locally but across the continent,” says SAISC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Amanuel 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 which 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. Gebremeskel highlighted the following three projects in particular: Fresh and fabulous as the overall winner – and more The Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market is not only the Steel Awards 2023 overall winner - but also garnered several other awards as winner of the Factory and Warehouse category, the Tubular category and recipient of the Best Project Mpumalanga Award. Nominated by Tass Engineering, the project was designed by Orbic Architects and constructed by (amongst several others) the main contractor Enza

30 CONSTRUCTION WORLD NOVEMBER 2023