Despite a rainy, overcast start on April 3rd, 2025, the Southern African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) Golf Day was a resounding success. Held at the prestigious Royal Johannesburg Golf Club’s Championship East Course, the event fostered camaraderie and connection among industry professionals—even in the face of ongoing challenges in the steel sector. The spirit of the day was overwhelmingly positive, marked by resilience and a shared commitment to industry growth.
With golf carts unavailable due to the wet conditions, participants embraced a more traditional round, enlisting caddies to navigate the course. This throwback added a unique charm to the day’s play. Strategically positioned, sponsor-supported waterholes offered warming drinks and delicious snacks, helping to keep spirits high throughout.
The evening gala brought everyone together for a memorable dinner, during which the SAISC spotlighted a crucial initiative: ongoing discussions around steel tariffs and the protection of the downstream industry. Stakeholders are encouraged to reach out to the SAISC for support or further information.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the event’s valued sponsors. Unica Steel, the main sponsor, led a strong lineup of supporters including NJR Steel, Mentis, IPS, Stewarts and Lloyds, and B&T Steel. Prize sponsors Cousins Steel and SMEI also played a key role in making the day special.
The competition on the course was fierce. Impala Bolt and Nut took top honors in the scramble competition, followed by Umshini Engineering in second and Stewarts and Lloyds 10B in third. The latter also won the WhatsApp photo contest for most creative team photo.
Individual excellence was also celebrated: Christiaan van Rooyen claimed Men’s Nearest to the Pin, while Giovanna Grobler took the honors in the Women’s category. The B&T Steel 4-ball team captured the “Best Selfie” prize, and Clotan Steel was awarded “Best Stand” for their vibrant display and engagement.
Despite the weather, the SAISC Golf Day delivered a fun, meaningful experience—strengthening industry ties, encouraging collaboration, and providing a platform for key industry discussions. The event underscored the resilience of the Southern African steel community and the power of coming together with optimism, even in uncertain times. The SAISC looks forward to building on this momentum at future events.
