SA Steel Construction Sector Inspires at SAISC 2022 Awards

NJR Steel was one of the proud sponsors of the 2022 SAISC Steel Awards. The Awards, held in October at Emporer’s Palace, was an opportunity for stakeholders across the sector to network, and to showcase local steel innovation, ingenuity. The Steel Awards provide a platform for stakeholders across the industry – including engineers, fabricators, designers, architects, processors, merchants and fabricators – to present their work and be honoured for their outstanding achievements. 

The event, which demonstrated excellence in the use of steel in construction clearly illustrated how the South African steel industry has triumphed over adversity in the past two years; as well as showcasing a typically South African ‘can-do’ approach to the challenges endured during the Covid-19 pandemic.

SAISC CEO Amanuel Gebremeskel explains:

“Even before the global pandemic, South Africa’s steel industry had gone through a period of severe challenges. The ‘green shoots’ theme is an acknowledgement of the importance of continuing to navigate through troubled times. It is also a tribute to our much-loved former CEO, the late Paolo Trinchero, who did so much for South Africa’s steel industry.  Gebremeskel explains that many steel construction projects globally were stalled during the Covid pandemic, and yet members of the South African steel industry managed to drive projects through to completion. 

A number of high-quality, truly excellent projects have been showcased at this year’s annual Steel Awards, and I believe this is a testimony to our character as a nation – as well as the value which the SAISC brings to the local steel construction industry. The SAISC is one of only 6 steel institutes around the world, and has a long history as a ‘steel sector sage’: a custodian of  technical knowledge, an educational resource and a trusted authority .” 



 ‘Benguela gem’ diamond recovery vessel shines as overall Steel Awards winner 

“While there is tremendous merit across all of our entrants, as well as all our category winners,” enthuses Gebremeskel, “the SAISC Annual Awards judges were unanimous in their praise of our overall winner – which was also the winner of the Mining category – the Benguela General Treatment Plant mining facility, aboard the ‘Benguela Gem’.

The Benguela Gem is owned by Debmarine Namibia, a 50/50 joint venture between De Beers Group and the government of the Republic of Namibia.” 

The Benguela Gem is the product of international collaboration: designed in Norway and Poland, built in Romania and fitted out by De Beers Marine South Africa. 

This 3000 ton diamond treatment plant is the world’s most advanced diamond recovery vessel, and was completed ahead of schedule. Debmarine diamond recovery takes place at 90 – 150 metres below sea level and is floating as opposed to being stationery and anchored. This presented unique engineering challenges as a sea-faring structure that is able to complete the entire under-sea diamond dredging and treatment process. 

The treatment plant was nominated by designers PBA Projects and completed in collaboration with De Beers Marine and 3C Metal Belmet, Namibia and local fabricators Steel Services and Allied Industries. 

“I believe the Institute – together with our valued Steel Awards entrants, sponsors, members and partners – has proven once again how much can be achieved across the local steel value chain when all players persevere for the continued success and sustainability of the steel industry,” says Gebremeskel.

NJR Steel was exceptionally proud to have played a part in sponsoring the SAISC 2022 Steel Awards as an event that showcases local innovation and the undeniable potential and perseverance of the South African steel industry.