he biggest
hurdle stainless steel production and fabrication faces to date is loadshedding,
with this challenge overriding all previous issues and leading to diminishing
staff safety, motivation, productivity and increased
living costs, and contributing to a visible decline in apparent consumption
during 2022, says industry organisation Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) executive director Michel Basson.
“This is the time to rethink what we do
and how we do it. The energy issue
might be an opportunity to make the industry more energy efficient
and less energy dependent,” he adds.
Further, the local industry is
well-positioned to supply African markets with a variety of world-class stainless steel products that can rival other global competitors. This
presents significant opportunities for local fabricated products including industrial capital equipment for mining,
agricultural applications, food processing and health applications,
he notes.
Sassda has, therefore, put measures in
place to strengthen the industry, provide access to new opportunities and
capacity in other sectors, as well as to stimulate local demand.