SEIFSA Postpones Southern African Metals And Engineering Indaba And SEIFSA Awards For Excellence

SEIFSA postpones Southern African Metals and Engineering Indaba and SEIFSA Awards for Excellence

JOHANNESBURG, 12 MAY 2021 - The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) today announced that it is postponing its two flagship events indefinitely due to concerns over rising COVID-19 cases in South Africa.

SEIFSA was due to host the 2021 SEIFSA Awards for Excellence on 20 May 2021 and the 6th Southern African Metals and Engineering Indaba on 24-25 May 2021.

The Awards for Excellence aim to promote and reward innovation and excellence in the Metals and Engineering (M&E) sector, while the Indaba brings together the government, labour, business and civil society to engage on and find solutions to challenges facing the sector, while also discussing opportunities to reinvigorate the sector.

“After careful consideration, and in light of South Africa having detected its first cases of the highly infectious Coronavirus variant initially identified in India just as some parts of the country are picking up the early signs of the third wave of infections, we have decided to postpone our events to later in the year,” SEIFSA said. 

SEIFSA said it remains committed to providing platforms such as the SEIFSA Awards for Excellence and the M&E Indaba to enable companies and other industry stakeholders to engage with each other on issues affecting the industry and to also celebrate its successes. “However, the COVID-19 pandemic means that we all need to make difficult decisions to ensure that we all play our part in fighting the pandemic and staving off a possible third wave,” SEIFSA concluded.


METALS AND ENGINEERING INDABA TO EXPLORE HOW GOVERNMENT IS FARING IN RESTORING BUSINESS CONFIDENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Metals And Engineering Indaba to explore how Government is faring in restoring business confidence In South Africa

JOHANNESBURG, 6 May 2021 – The sixth Southern African Metals and Engineering Indaba will unpack the progress of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s “New Dawn”, exploring whether the sixth administration is succeeding in improving business confidence in South Africa.

The Indaba, organised by the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation, takes place on 24 and 25 May at the IDC Auditorium in Sandton, Johannesburg. It brings together the Government, business, labour and civil society on one platform, to engage on, and find solutions to the challenges facing the Metals and Engineering (M&E) sector.

The session, to be unpacked under the title “‘The New Dawn’: The Sixth Administration, Business Confidence and South Africa’s Sovereign Credit Rating”, will feature a panel of respected political and business commentators, including Wits University lecturer Khaya Sithole, University of Johannesburg lecturer Professor Mcebisi Ndletyana and Executive Director of the Centre for Development an Enterprise Ann Bernstein. 

SEIFSA said the sixth administration was greeted with much optimism and euphoria when it took over amid hopes that a Ramaphosa-led Government would restore confidence in the Government’s ability to grow the economy while forging an efficient, capable and ethical state that is free of corruption. 

“However, given the devastation that the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked on South Africa’s economy, as well as political internal battles in several political parties, it is clear that the Government has a long journey ahead of it to achieve its aims and restore much-needed investor confidence,” SEIFSA said.

“The Indaba, will therefore, take a critical look at the Government’s progress in turning around the economy and provide recommendations on what the Government can do better to ensure that the country can, among other things, grow the economy and arrest its sovereign credit rating decline,” the Federation said.

Other topics that will be delved into at the Indaba include the South African manufacturing sector’s readiness to embrace the fourth industrial revolution, the formation of a scrap metal exchange to benefit local manufacturers and how the M&E industry can strike a balance between growth and environmental sustainability.


Metals and Engineering Industry to explore opportunities of African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement

JOHANNESBURG, 4 May 2021 – The Southern African Metals and Engineering Indaba will focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, exploring the various opportunities presented by the AfCFTA.

The Indaba, organised by the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation, takes place on 24 and 25 May at the IDC Auditorium in Sandton, Johannesburg. It brings together players in the Metals and Engineering (M&E) sector to engage on, and find solutions to the challenges facing the sector.

SEIFSA said with demand for the local M&E sector struggling, it is critical for the industry to be more export-oriented and expand its industrial market footprint. Trade with Africa as part of what promises to become the largest free trade area agreement in the world is one avenue to increase exports.

The Federation said it is critical to engage on the AfCFTA because of its potential to help revive the struggling M&E sector, given the sector’s trading position in Africa. From 2017 to 2020, the net trading position for South Africa in the sector was R412.3bn. “It is hoped that at the Indaba, stakeholders will find sustainable ways to strengthening this position,” the Federation said.

Confirmed speakers for this session include Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Wamkele Mene, Africa House Director Duncan Bonnett and John Rocha, Chief Director of Export Promotion, Development and Outward Investment Branch at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.


SEIFSA AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE DEMONSTRATE THE POTENTIAL COMPANIES HAVE TO REIGNITE THE ECONOMY THROUGH THEIR EXCELLENCE

SEIFSA Awards For Excellence demonstrate the potential companies have to reignite the economy through their excellence

JOHANNESBURG, 2 MAY 2021 – The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) has extended the closing date for submissions for the seventh SEIFSA Awards for Excellence to Friday, 7 May 2021.

The Awards, which are set to take place on 20 May 2021 in Johannesburg, aim to promote and reward innovation and excellence in the Metals and Engineering (M&E) sector, with the winners serving as benchmarks for best practice in the industry.

SEIFSA CEO Kaizer Nyatsumba said he is looking forward to this year’s submissions and is confident that, as with previous winners, they will demonstrate the potential that companies in the M&E sector have not only to revive South Africa’s struggling economy, but also to reignite it. 

“Our economy has been struggling for years, but we believe that hope for recovery lies in not only innovative and resilient companies, but also those that are committed to transformation and doing good in order to drive economic inclusivity, and those that ensure they conduct their business safely in order to protect their workers and the environment,” he said. 

He said previous SEIFSA Awards for Excellence winners have set the bar high in the various categories, and continue to excel in those areas. 

Last year’s winners included Centurion Systems, which won the Innovative Company of the Year Award and Pamodzi Unique Engineering, which won the Most Transformed Company Award. Babcock Ntuthuko Engineering won the Health and Safety Award, while Beka Schréder won the Best Corporate Social Responsibility Programme of the Year Award. The Artisan of the Year category was on by Kgabo Cars and Training & Services.

This year, all seven categories are up for grabs and comprise:

• Most Innovative Company of Year;

• Health and Safety Award of the Year;

• Best Corporate Social Responsibility Programme of the Year;

• Customer Service Award of the Year;

• Environmental Stewardship of the Year;

• Most Transformed Company of the Year; and

• The Artisan Award of the Year.

Both SEIFSA members and non-members are eligible for entry.


Metals and Engineering Indaba to engage on sectoral master plans, with focus on the steel master plan

JOHANNESBURG, 3 May 2021 – The sixth Southern African Metals and Engineering (M&E) Indaba taking place in Johannesburg on 24-25 May 2021 will delve into pertinent topics as industry stakeholders gather to discuss solutions to revive the ailing sector.

Organised by the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) in partnership with the Independent Development Corporation (IDC), the Indaba brings together business, labour and the Government to engage on how to address challenges facing the sector.

Among the topics to be discussed at the Indaba, which takes place at the IDC Auditorium in Sandton, Johannesburg is the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s Reimagined Industrial strategy, which seeks to develop industries by building partnerships with the private sector, using the various sectoral master plans, including the Steel Master Plan, as the launchpad towards a shared vision for job creation.

A panel of speakers, including SEIFSA Chief Economist Chifipa Mhango and ArcelorMittal CEO Kobus Verster, will engage on the Steel Master Plan, providing an update on it and other sectoral master plans. Among the questions to be answered is whether the master plans will make a difference to the economy and succeed in creating much-needed jobs. The discussion is also expected to give an update on the Steel Master Plan, which has yet to be finalised.

“The various master plans are expected to play a central role in helping revive struggling industries. Their significant role means that we need to continuously interrogate whether they are likely to achieve their stated aims,” said SEIFSA CEO Kaizer Nyatsumba.

“As the M&E sector, we need to be vocal about whether the Steel Master Plan will work – and where we think it can be further refined. It is apt that this takes place on a platform such as the M&E Indaba, which was established on the principle of a partnership between the Government, business, labour and civil society,” he said.


SEIFSA AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

SEIFSA Awards for Excellence closing date for entries is looming

JOHANNESBURG, 20 APRIL 2021 – The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa is calling on companies in the Metals and Engineering (M&E) industry to submit their entries for the seventh edition of the SEIFSA Awards for Excellence as the 4 May 2021 deadline is fast approaching.

The awards recognise excellence and honour small, medium and giant manufacturers that promote innovation, transformation, skills development, a safe working environment, good business ethics and excellence. These awards are open both to members and non-members of SEIFSA, with the winners serving as benchmarks in the industry – as role models to be emulated by other companies. 

SEIFSA CEO Kaizer Nyatsumba said the importance of the Awards could not be understated. For the winning companies, the Awards serve to reinforce their credibility and reputation among not only their customers, but also their competitors and other stakeholders such as the media and their communities.

“Recognition as a leader in innovation or transformation or any of the other category comes with a competitive advantage at a time when customers are more discerning than ever thanks to impact of technology,” he said, adding that SEIFSA is honoured to play a role in endorsing and celebrating companies that are committed to doing things better all the time.

The entrants will be assessed on their performance during the period 1 July 2019 to 31 December 2020 in seven different categories, namely:

  • The Most Innovative Company of the Year, which will be awarded to a company that showed the best level of innovation in research and development or production;
  • The Health and Safety Award of the Year will be awarded to a company with the best legal compliance record in Health and Safety or the lowest Lost-Time Injury Frequency rate;
  • The company rated the highest in customer service performance between July 2019 and December 2020 will receive the Customer Service Award of the Year;
  • The Environmental Stewardship Award will go to a company that has successfully implemented greening initiatives in its day-to-day business operations;
  • The Artisan Award will be made to the company that trained the highest number of artisans during the 18-month period under review;
  • The Best CSI Award will be presented to a company whose corporate social investment programme/s between July 2019 and December 2020 have had a major impact on the lives of its beneficiaries; and
  • The Most Transformed Company of the Year Award category is split into two groups by company size: the first covers companies employing fewer than 100 people and the second looks at companies employing more than 100 people. This is to ensure that companies are judged against their peers to encourage fairness.

The winners will be honoured at a Gala Ceremony to be held on 20 May 2021.

Last year’s awards saw Centurion Systems walk away with the Most Innovative Company of the Year Award, while Pamodzi Unique Engineering won the Most Transformed Company of the Year Award and Babcock Ntuthuko Engineering won the Health and Safety Award of the Year. Other winners were Beka Schreder, which took home the Award for Best Corporate Social Responsibility of the Year and Kgabo Cars and Training & Services, which won the Artisan of the Year Award.


Metals And Engineering Indaba

Metals and Engineering Indaba to bring industry players together to find ways to revive manufacturing

The sixth edition of the Southern African Metals and Engineering Indaba will take place from 24 to 25 May 2021 at the IDC Auditorium in Sandton, Johannesburg.

The Indaba, organised by the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA), will bring together businesses, labour, civil society and the Government on a single platform to find solutions to challenges plaguing the manufacturing sector in South Africa.

Under the theme “Surviving Tough Times and Growing the Economy”, the Indaba takes place at a time when South Africa’s manufacturing industry, and the Metals and Engineering subsector in particular, is struggling to survive following years of rising energy costs, unreliable power supply, transport challenges, increased competition due to cheap imports and reduced demand for its products. The sector now contributes only 12% to GDP, significantly down from the estimated 25% it used to contribute in 1990s. With South Africa’s economy struggling amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it is now more urgent than ever for all stakeholders to find solutions to rescue the sector so that it, in turn, can help drive economic recovery. 

SEIFSA CEO Kaizer Nyatsumba said as with previous Indabas before it, this edition will shine the spotlight on matters affecting manufacturing in the country. “It has long been recognised that our economic growth depends on the existence of a thriving manufacturing sector. However, over the years, we have seen the sector shed rather than create much-needed jobs. It is now up to us, as stakeholders from both the public and private sector, to collectively find ways to arrest its decline,” he said. 

Topics that will be discussed at the Indaba include South Africa’s readiness to embrace the fourth industrial revolution in manufacturing; the formation of a scrap metal exchange to benefit local manufacturers; the African Continental Free Trade Area and the opportunities it brings for South African businesses; an update on the Steel Master Plan and striking a balance between growth and environmental sustainability.Confirmed speakers include Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan, Transnet CEO Portia Derby, Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter, energy expert Ted Blom, leader of the Movement for One South Africa Mmusi Maimane, and Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Wamkele Mene.


SEIFSA calls on customer-centric companies to enter SEIFSA Awards for Excellence in the customer service category

SEIFSA calls on customer-centric companies to enter SEIFSA Awards for Excellence in the customer service category
JOHANNESBURG, 12 APRIL 2021 – The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) calls on companies in the Metals and Engineering (M&Ewith a proud  customer service record to submit their entries for the annual SEIFSA Awards for Excellence.
The 2021 SEIFSA Awards for Excellence seek to promote and reward innovation and excellence in the M&E sector, with this year’s entrants to be assessed on their performance during the period 1 July 2019 to 31 December 2020. The Award ceremony will take place on 20 May in Johannesburg.
SEIFSA CEO Kaizer Nyatsumba said with customers having an increasing number of choices in markets that are fast becoming saturated, the customer experience is often what sets apart good companies from great ones.
“Customer-centricity is no longer just a buzz phrase used in the marketing and sales department – every touch point, from a customer’s interaction with a technician, to a call answered by the receptionist, is an opportunity to elevate the customer experience. Many companies in the M&E sector understand that and have put their customers at the heart of their business strategies. We would like to shine the spotlight on these companies and reward them for their efforts,” Mr Nyatsumba said.
He said this Award was particularly important because with many consumers under pressure, it is only those businesses which are able to align themselves to not only their customers’ needs, but also their pockets, that will be able to ensure they hold onto those customers after the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to the Customer Service Award of the Year Award, the SEIFSA Awards for Excellence, which are now in their seventh year, will also celebrate companies which excel in the following categories:

  • Most Innovative Company of Year;
  • Health and Safety Award of the Year;
  • Best Corporate Social Responsibility Programme of the Year;
  • Environmental Stewardship of the Year;
  • Most Transformed Company of the Year; and
  • The Artisan Award of the Year.

Both SEIFSA and non-SEIFSA member companies are eligible for entry.


SEIFSA urges Metals and Engineering businesses to showcase their environmental stewardship at the SEIFSA awards

JOHANNESURG, 7 APRIL 2021 – The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) once again calls on companies in the Metals and Engineering (M&E) sector to submit their entries for the 2021 SEIFSA Awards for Excellence in the Environment Stewardship Award category.
Now in their seventh year, the SEIFSA Awards for Excellence seek to promote and reward innovation and excellence in the M&E sector, with this year’s entrants to be assessed on their performance during the period 1 July 2019 to 31 December 2020.
The Environment Stewardship Award celebrates a company which has taken seriously the environmental challenges that confront the world and has successfully implemented the necessary steps to ensure that the natural environment is preserved. The company will have demonstrated in its entry that it has gone out of its way to invest in the environment and has successfully implemented initiatives in its day-to-day business operations.
In 2019, the Award was won by Babcock for its water conservation initiatives. The company had taken it upon itself to protect, control and conserve water usage in the business through several initiatives, including using water meters at its different sites and reusing water.
“South Africa faces significant environmental challenges such as water scarcity and air pollution. Together as the business community, we need to find lasting solutions to these challenges. By showcasing companies mitigating their negative effect on the environment through sustainable initiatives, we not only create a platform to engage on how to further protect our environment, but we also offer examples that other companies can emulate,” said SEIFSA Chief Executive Kaizer Nyatsumba.
The Award ceremony will take place on 20 May 2021 at a venue yet to be confirmed. In addition to the Environmental Award, the other categories include:

  • Most Innovative Company of Year;
  • Health and Safety Award of the Year;
  • Best Corporate Social Responsibility Programme of the Year;
  • Customer Service Award of the Year;
  • Most Transformed Company of the Year; and
  • The Artisan Award of the Year.

Automotive industry’s future to feature prominently at BRICS Manufacturing Conference

JOHANNESBURG, 25 MARCH 2021 – The Inaugural BRICS Manufacturing Conference, which takes place in Sandton, Johannesburg tomorrow, is the culmination of months of preparation and a commitment to be part of efforts to revive the struggling manufacturing sector in South Africa by promoting trade and investment within the BRICS grouping.
The conference, which will be held at the IDC Conference Centre, is the BRICS Business Council’s Manufacturing Working Group’s (MWG) contribution to reinforcing the Council’s proposed recommendations to Governments in relation to the manufacturing sector. The recommendations, which are detailed in the BRICS Business Council’s 2020 annual report, include the sharing of best practice in electromobility solutions, with the hope of promoting co-operation and investment among the BRICS member countries.
Mikel Mabasa, CEO of the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, will share his insights on electromobility solutions at the conference. He has previously said that sales of electric vehicles are forecast to exceed those of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2038.
It is hoped, therefore, that the session will spark interest among players in the automotive industry, who stand to benefit from this development if, with the support of the Government, they are able to position themselves in this space.
MWG Chairman Kaizer Nyatsumba said South Africa cannot afford to be left behind in electromobility advancement. He said the global transformation to electrical vehicles will potentially result in job losses as demand for fuel emission vehicles wane.
“Our automotive industry is one the few success stories within the manufacturing industry. We need to ensure that we remain at the forefront of developments in that industry to remain relevant. Therefore, it is important that we share ideas on how to position ourselves as leaders in electrical vehicle manufacturing. The BRICS Manufacturing Conference is a good place to start that conversation,” he said.