The Made of Steel Challenge Is Back for 2026 — Here's What's Changed
Last year, we asked South Africa a simple question: what have you built with steel?
You answered with driveway gates, braai stands, security fencing, sculptures and structures that ranged from a weekend passion project to a full professional build. The response told us the Made of Steel Challenge had legs — so we're running it back for a second year, from
1 September to 31 October 2026, with a few changes that make it fairer, clearer, and open to more of you.
Here's what's new.
Two categories, properly defined
The challenge still runs across two categories, but we've renamed and re-scoped both of them.
DIY Challenge
For the hobbyist and the passion-project builder — the person who works with steel because they love it, not because someone's paying them.
Braais, fire pits, gates, furniture, sculpture: if you made it in your own time with your own hands, this is your category.
Contractor Challenge
For anyone who builds with steel professionally. Last year, this category's judging leaned toward large-scale, industrial-grade projects — think civic infrastructure and landmark builds.
That shut out a lot of contractors doing excellent, everyday work. This year we've fixed that: driveway gates, carports, security gates and fencing count just as much as a major structural build.
You're judged on the skill and execution the job demanded, not on how big it was.
Judging you can actually understand
The scoring hasn't changed — every entry can still earn up to 21 points, made up of 19 points from our judging panel plus 2 bonus points for engaging with us online. What has changed is the language. We've reworded every judging criterion in plain terms, so you know exactly what we're looking for before you submit: your story, your photos, your creativity, how well you used your materials, and the quality of the finish. No jargon, no guessing.
The 2 bonus points are still entirely in your hands:
- Follow @njrsteelgroup on Instagram — 1 point.
- Post your build publicly on Instagram or Facebook with #NJRMadeOfSteel — 1 point.
Six winners, two full prize tables
Both categories are judged and ranked independently, so this year's challenge produces six winners in total — first, second and third place in the DIY Challenge, and first, second and third place in the Contractor Challenge.
That's
R60,000 in NJR Steel in-store vouchers up for grabs: R15,000 for first place, R10,000 for second and R5,000 for third, in each category. Vouchers are redeemable at any NJR Steel branch nationwide.
A smoother way to enter
Entering is simpler this time round. Head to the challenge page on our website, pick your category, and tell us about your build — what you made, why you made it, and how steel got you there.
Upload your photos or video (a short walkthrough of the build or the finished piece in action works well), and you're in. You'll get an email confirming your entry landed, so there's no second-guessing whether it went through.
Same spirit, wider door
The heart of the Made of Steel Challenge hasn't moved. We still want to see what you build, why you built it, and how you made steel work for you — whether that's a first-time DIY project or the hundredth gate you've welded this year. What's changed for 2026 is who gets to feel like the categories were built for them. Hobbyist or professional, small job or big one: there's a place for your work here.
Entries close 31 October 2026. Winners will be announced on or around
3 November.
Ready to show us what you're made of? Head to the entry page, pick your category, and get building.
#NJRMadeOfSteel
Terms and conditions apply. South African residents 18+. No purchase necessary to enter.
ENTER THE MADE OF STEEL CHALLENGE BELOW
