logo
South Africa: Has the Steel and Metal Fabrication Master Plan delivered or collapsed?

South Africa: Has the Steel and Metal Fabrication Master Plan delivered or collapsed?

Zawya2 days ago

Launched in 2021, the Steel and Metal Fabrication Master Plan (SMP) looked to reposition the steel industry at the heart of South Africa's reindustrialisation agenda. Nearly four years later, we are confronted with an uncomfortable question: has the Master Plan delivered, or has it collapsed under the weight of unfulfilled promises?
The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of South Africa (SEIFSA) president and chairman of the Board Elias Monage asks, if four years after its launch, has the Steel and Metal Fabrication Master Plan delivered?
South Africa's steel and engineering sector stands at a perilous crossroads.
Once the bedrock of our industrial economy, the sector today faces a stark reality: years of deindustrialisation, declining production, job losses and a steady erosion of competitiveness.
This decline is not the result of chance, but a culmination of systemic policy failures, a lack of coordinated action and inadequate implementation of recovery frameworks.
SMP concept sound, execution problem
The concept of the SMP remains sound. An inclusive, coordinated and well-resourced industrial policy is critical to saving strategic sectors.
The problem lies in its execution. Instead of clarity and action, we have seen diffusion and inaction.
With over 20 workstreams and 73 deliverables, the SMP lacked focus.
As progress stalled, industry leadership began to withdraw, disillusioned by government's inability to deliver on commitments.
Unmistakable signs of collapse
Today, the signs of collapse are unmistakable.
Steel production remains 18% below its 2007/8 peak and capacity utilisation across all sub-sectors has slipped below the 85% benchmark for efficiency.
Per capita steel consumption has dropped by 37% since 2013, a sharp contrast to global trends where steel intensity continues to rise.
These trends are not just statistics — they translate into factory closures, job losses and the loss of critical productive capacity.
Business-as-usual will not suffice
If we are to reverse this trajectory, we have no choice but to fundamentally rethink South Africa's industrial policy.
Business-as-usual will not suffice.
Government must acknowledge that past interventions, however well-intentioned, have not delivered the intended impact.
This moment demands a bold shift — from fragmented policies and siloed departments to a unified national compact anchored in public-private collaboration.
A new approach
What should this new approach look like?
- Craft a Strategic Agreement for Impact between government and the steel and engineering sector
This agreement should bind both parties to a shared vision with clear accountability.
Crucially, it must define a singular, measurable objective — for example, achieving 4 - 5% annual growth in metals and engineering output — against which all policy instruments and initiatives can be aligned.
Without a clear north star, no policy can succeed.
- Streamline efforts into three focused workstreams: Industrial Policy, Demand Creation and Financing
The Industrial Policy Workstream must aim to establish a coherent framework that balances competing interests across the value chain, from upstream primary producers to downstream manufacturers.
Too often, policy has favoured one at the expense of the other. The vision must be unified and inclusive.
The Demand Creation Workstream must be tasked with unlocking catalytic projects that stimulate the consumption of domestically produced steel and fabricated products.
This includes leveraging state-led infrastructure initiatives, strategic procurement and facilitating partnerships that can turn project pipelines into real economic activity.
The Financing Workstream must address the chronic undercapitalisation of the sector. A reindustrialising economy cannot be built on weak balance sheets and ad-hoc funding.
What is required is a structured financial framework — including public-private funding vehicles and targeted incentives — to finance industrial and infrastructure projects that have multiplier effects across the economy.
- Reorient our approach to policy from punitive to incentive-based mechanisms
Businesses need predictability and support to invest and grow.
Every policy instrument must undergo rigorous cost-benefit analysis.
Those that don't work must be scrapped. Those that do must be scaled up. Industrial policy must become an iterative, evidence-based practice, not a once-off, static document.
- Government to lead a national policy alignment drive
Energy security, rail logistics, port capacity and trade policy are all levers of industrial competitiveness.
Right now, these levers pull in different directions. Coordination and coherence across departments and spheres of government are essential.
The private sector cannot be expected to invest in an economy where the left hand of government does not know what the right hand is doing.
- Reaffirm the strategic importance of the steel and engineering sector to South Africa's long-term economic prospects
No country can industrialise — or reindustrialise — without a resilient metals sector.
Steel is the foundational input into mining, construction, transport, manufacturing, energy and agriculture. The erosion of this sector undermines every other sector's growth potential.
Rescue its original intent
The SMP, in its current form, has not lived up to its potential. But that does not mean we abandon it.
Instead, we must rescue its original intent — to galvanise industry and government behind a shared industrial vision — and breathe new life into its structure and implementation.
A new compact for industrial growth
SEIFSA and its members remain ready to co-create a new compact for industrial growth. But we cannot do this alone.
We call on government, particularly the departments of Trade, Industry and Competition, Finance, Public Enterprises, Infrastructure, and Transport, to urgently come together with industry leaders to forge a new path forward.
Time is running out
With every passing year of stagnation, the socio-economic consequences deepen — more job losses, more factory closures and a deeper erosion of South Africa's productive capacity.
Let us focus on a Strategic Agreement for Impact between government and the steel and engineering sector with a singular commitment: to reignite South Africa's industrial engine and build a future of inclusive, job-rich growth.
The steel sector — and South Africa — depends on it.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

From containers to learning hubs: How DP World turns shipping steel into golf dreams
From containers to learning hubs: How DP World turns shipping steel into golf dreams

Khaleej Times

time6 hours ago

  • Khaleej Times

From containers to learning hubs: How DP World turns shipping steel into golf dreams

What do redundant shipping containers and young golfers have in common? Thanks to a bold new initiative from DP World, the answer might just be: a future full of possibilities. Known for moving thousands of containers across the globe every day, Dubai-based DP World has found a creative way to give some of those steel boxes a second life. Instead of retiring them, the company is transforming them into mobile 'Clubhouses' for aspiring young golfers. These custom-built hubs offer equipment, training tools, and safe spaces to play and grow your game. It's more than a nod to recycling. It's about opportunity. The first Clubhouse landed this week in Cape Town, South Africa, delivered in partnership with the Sally Little Golf Trust, an organisation that empowers young women through golf. The Trust teaches values like honesty, respect, perseverance, and self-motivation alongside swing mechanics. Each Clubhouse is tailored to the needs of its community. Some will house gear and training aids, and others will serve as gathering spaces or mini-learning centres. All will help bring golf to places where access to the sport is limited. "At DP World, we believe in creating opportunities to empower young people, as they are our future,' said Daniel van Otterdijk, the company's Chief Communications Officer. 'The Clubhouse initiative is a brilliant example of how we can use our resources and global sports partnerships to open doors for the next generation—bringing golf, and the life skills it teaches, to communities that might not otherwise have access. 'We're especially proud to have launched this programme in partnership with the Sally Little Golf Trust, whose incredible work empowering young women through golf aligns perfectly with our values,' he added. The Clubhouse programme builds on DP World's earlier success with the Second Life Container Initiative, which has already redistributed some 350,000 golf balls worldwide. Now, the goal is to scale even further. Future Clubhouses will roll out alongside major moments in the golf calendar, including the prestigious DP World Tour and the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York this September. It's all part of a broader effort to make golf more inclusive, accessible, and inspiring for the next generation of players.

KAESO Energy Services to Highlight African-Led Innovation at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025
KAESO Energy Services to Highlight African-Led Innovation at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Zawya

time7 hours ago

  • Zawya

KAESO Energy Services to Highlight African-Led Innovation at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies is pleased to announce the participation of KAESO Energy Services, an African-owned energy services company, as part of this year's strategic program. Represented by General Manager Jorge de Morais, KAESO will offer critical insight into the role of specialized service providers in advancing Africa's upstream sector – particularly in the areas of well integrity, reservoir optimization and local capacity building. With active operations across Angola and Namibia, KAESO Energy Services has emerged as a vital partner to international oil companies and national operators alike. The company's tailored, cost-effective solutions are designed to improve asset reliability, extend production lifecycles, and reduce operational risks, all while building domestic technical capabilities. In Angola, KAESO is strategically positioned to support the country's growing project pipeline by delivering highly specialized services that align with local content objectives and long-term energy security goals. In Namibia, the company is playing a catalytic role in developing local participation in the sector, having recently supported the launch of the Namibia Youth Energy Forum's Lüderitz Chapter. The initiative aims to equip local technicians, entrepreneurs and service providers with industry-specific skills and practical knowledge, ensuring that emerging oil and gas developments translate into tangible benefits for Namibians. KAESO's involvement in these initiatives underscores its broader mission: to enable African countries to own and operate critical components of their energy value chains. At AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies, KAESO will spotlight the technical and commercial strategies it employs to deliver high-performance well solutions while maintaining strict HSE standards. The company is also set to share lessons from its regional expansion and highlight how indigenous firms can adapt to shifting energy demands by investing in technology, training and strategic partnerships. 'KAESO is a powerful example of what African-grown service companies can achieve when they prioritize both technical excellence and local development,' says Oré Onagbesan, Program Director at AEW. 'We are excited to welcome them to AEW 2025, where their insights will contribute meaningfully to conversations around efficiency, resilience and inclusive growth in the energy sector.' AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies continues to serve as the premier platform for showcasing Africa's energy ecosystem, including its fast-growing service sector. As E&P activity accelerates across the continent, the need for agile, homegrown service providers has never been greater. AEW: Invest in African Energies offers these companies the visibility, networks and dealmaking opportunities they need to scale operations, form regional partnerships and play a transformative role in Africa's energy future. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber. About African Energy Week: AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event.

Spotlight on Innovation: RegTech Africa Awards 2025 Celebrate the Trailblazers Redefining Regulatory Excellence in Africa
Spotlight on Innovation: RegTech Africa Awards 2025 Celebrate the Trailblazers Redefining Regulatory Excellence in Africa

Zawya

time8 hours ago

  • Zawya

Spotlight on Innovation: RegTech Africa Awards 2025 Celebrate the Trailblazers Redefining Regulatory Excellence in Africa

In an era where trust, transparency, and technology have become critical currencies in the digital economy, the 2025 RegTech Africa Awards ( offered a powerful lens into the future of regulatory innovation on the African continent. Held as part of the RegTech Africa Conference 2025, from May 22–23 in Lagos - Nigeria, the Awards Ceremony was the undeniable centerpiece — not just for its elegance, but for what it signified: a celebration of African-grown solutions, bold leadership, and digital systems that are reshaping the way financial institutions, regulators, and governments operate. The Event brought together some of the most influential voices shaping the future of regulation and technology across Africa and beyond. Among the many highlights of this year's gathering were the prestigious RegTech Horizon-100 Awards and the RegTech Rockstar Awards, honoring excellence in regulatory innovation, compliance, and digital transformation. Now recognized as Africa's leading platform for regulatory technology discourse, the RegTech Africa Conference serves as a nexus for regulators, innovators, financial service providers, and development partners working to redefine the regulatory landscape through technology. Why the Awards Matter Now More Than Ever Africa's rapidly evolving financial and regulatory landscape demands new tools, new thinking, and new champions. The RegTech Africa Awards were created to spotlight those leading this change — organizations building real-world, scalable solutions that address Africa's regulatory and digital inclusion challenges head-on. Honoring Africa's RegTech Vanguard: Horizon-100 Recognition Returning for its second year, the RegTech Horizon-100 Awards shone a spotlight on a select group of forward-thinking companies that have demonstrated exceptional leadership in addressing Africa's most pressing regulatory and compliance challenges. These organizations have deployed cutting-edge RegTech solutions in areas ranging from anti-money laundering (AML) and digital identity to SupTech, compliance automation, and financial inclusion. Among this year's honorees were AML Factory, Seamfix Limited, Vixio, Regfyl, Zone Payment Network, SymphonyAI, and EMTECH, each demonstrating measurable impact through scalable technologies and visionary leadership. These companies join an elite group of innovators from last year's inaugural list — including Global Voice Group, Sumsub, ComplyAdvantage, Fenergo, and Africa RegOS — now recognized as the continent's most credible and solution-driven RegTech pioneers. The unveiling of the 2025 Horizon-100 publication — a curated, data-driven directory of these top-tier RegTechs — marked a key milestone. Designed as a practical resource for regulators, financial institutions, investors, and development partners, the guide provides insight into tested solutions solving challenges around anti-money laundering (AML), customer due diligence, financial inclusion, regulatory reporting, and more. The RegTech Rockstar Awards: Elevating Excellence Across Key Categories In a bold expansion of the awards program, the RegTech Rockstar Awards debuted this year, recognizing standout organizations driving systemic change in critical domains. These category-specific honors reflect the complexity of Africa's regulatory landscape and the multidimensional innovation shaping it. 2025 Rockstar Award Winners include: RSwitch (Rwanda) – Regional Integration Champion – WAMI – Outstanding Regional Market Infrastructure – NDIC – Excellence in Regulatory Standards&Compliance – SANEF – Financial Literacy Champion – CENTBEE – Innovative Super App of the Year – 9PSB – Digital Bank of the Year – Moniepoint – Digital Excellence in Innovation&Service Delivery – BPC Technologies – Top Innovator in Banking&Payments Tech – Sumsub – Digital Identity Innovation Leadership – ThisDay Media – Media Excellence in RegTech – PrimeTech Digital – Most Impactful EdTech Company These organizations are recognized not only for their achievements, but also for pushing boundaries and creating enabling environments for safer, smarter, and more inclusive financial ecosystems. An Awards Platform Built for the Continent's Future Speaking at the close of the awards ceremony, Cyril Okoroigwe, Chair of the organizing Committee, noted: 'The Horizon-100 and Rockstar Awards are not just about recognition — they're about shaping a credible, trusted future for Africa's digital economy. These organizations are not only leading with technology, but also with integrity, impact, and purpose.' As Africa positions itself as a global leader in digital financial services, the role of regulatory technology will only grow in urgency and opportunity. The RegTech Africa Awards are now firmly established as a platform not just for celebration, but for mobilizing capital, partnerships, and policy support around the solutions that will define the next chapter of Africa's digital transformation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RegTech Africa. About RegTech Africa: RegTech Africa is a leading pan-African platform advancing dialogue, innovation, and capacity building in regulatory technology. Through high-impact convenings, strategic partnerships, and industry research, RegTech Africa fosters an ecosystem where policy and innovation converge to build stronger, more agile regulatory frameworks.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store