Housing in Southern Africa June 2016

Industry Buzz

Sassda Steel Awards The 2016 Sassda Columbus Stainless Steel Awards are gearing up to recognise a stellar list of award winners in October.

T he Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) will provide a free con- sulting service to assist companies requiring help with entries. Sassda Executive Director, John Tarboton, comments; “In the past, we found that despite entry being free, a big barrier to some companies participating in the awards was the actual entry process. This included filling in the application formcompre- hensively and in the correct manner.” To enhance the entry process, Sassda representatives will assist themwith completing the entry form to ensure the process is as quick and easy as possible.” Tarboton explains, “In this way, we also hope to increase the number of local and international entries fromthe 44 that we received in 2014, with the overall aimof ensuring the cream of South Africa’s stainless steel crop rises to the top in 2016.” Looking at the role the awards have to play in the growth and de- velopment of the local stainless steel sector, Tarboton says the importance of the awards shouldn’t be underesti- mated. “They’re instrumental in rais- ing awareness of stainless steel and its myriad of uses and applications within the local and global economy. By recognising excellence within the local stainless steel sector in particu- lar, the awards have become a source C EO for the South African Coun- cil for the Architectural Profes- sion (SACAP), Marella O’Reilly, says that theMinister of PublicWorks, Thulas Nxesi’s recent comment has made it clear that the architectural profession is being protected as a scare skill. O’Reilly adds that the profession will be a beneficiary in the roll out of Government’s Expanded Works Programme (EWP). EWP is one of government’s pro- grammes aimed at alleviating pov- erty by providing work opportuni- ties. Government has committed to

of inspiration to ensure that global quality standards are adhered to and strived for.” In terms of entry requirements; individuals and companies (local and international) that are involved in the design, production, conversion, distribution, use or specification of stainless steel are eligible to enter. The criteria for entries: • Excellence – Exceptional work concepts and execution • Innovation – Creativity, originality and advancement • Sustainability – For the business and environment • Efficiency – Keeping to deadlines and minimising costs • Quality – Of the products andwork done • Impact on the environment – En- suring minimal carbon footprint • Job creation – Employment op- portunities created A key focus of this year’s revitalised awards is an enhanced list, which includes: Architecture, Building and Construction; Engineering; Export Achievement; Ferritic Stainless Steel; Duplex Stainless Steel; Food and Bev- erage; Catering and Hospitality; Art; Manufacturing Innovation; Product ensuring six million public employ- ment opportunities by 2019. This target is in line with the imperatives set out in the National Development Plan (NDP). Nxesi’s statement about the DPW Bursary Programme will ensure that bursary recipients are provided with practical work experience and op- portunities to develop their careers. O’Reilly comments that the Inku- luleko Development Project (Ndumo) situated in the Jozini Municipality is a multi-year programme, with a total budget of R1,6 billion and provides work for the profession. The Minister

John Tarboton

Development; Environmental Excel- lence; as well as Student; Lifetime Achievement andBusiness Excellence awards. Tarboton says, “Our aim is to boost the aspirational value of the awards by ensuring that participants see the clear return on investment that their participation and winning provides. Ultimately, the awards are seen as the ‘Oscars’ of the South African industry.” Entries for the awards close on 31 July, 2016. Finalists and winners will be announced at a Gala Banquet on October 20, 2016. For more information email francis@sassda.co.za ■ pegged this year’s total DPW’s budget at R1,43 billion, of which just over R 425 million will be spent on infra- structure programmes. “Architects ignite the design process of inspired projects such as those undertaken by DPW,” says O’Reilly. SACAP receives its mandate from the Architectural Professionals Act No 44 of 2000 and falls under the purview of DPW. SACAP is one of DPW’s built environment councils. Regulates the architecture professionals, as well as supports the broader built environ- ment and its projects. For more in- formation visit: www.sacapsa.com ■

Nxesi supports SACAP

June 2016