Celebrating over six decades of contribution to South Africa’s steel and metal cladding industry.
When it comes to structural steel and engineering, few can claim a career that spans the transformation of an entire industry. Dennis White, the outgoing Director of the Southern African Metal Cladding and Roofing Association (SAMCRA) is one of those rare figures.
We recently sat down with Dennis for a reflective conversation, tracing his remarkable journey.
With more than 60 years in the steel industry, Dennis has moved from the heavy industrial project management of power stations to becoming a leading voice in the field of metal cladding.
White’s journey began with early exposure to structural design and large-scale industrial projects. When discussing his formative years, he emphasised that the core of his experience lay in the management of these massive projects.
White recalls that one of his greatest advantages was entering the construction industry during a pivotal time of innovation. This included the introduction of IBR roof sheeting and the rise of concealed fixing as alternatives to the traditional corrugated iron used throughout the construction industry. These innovations provided a new and efficient alternative to previous methods.
While these profiles were a big step forward, they also presented challenges. They were physically delicate, particularly when handling long lengths. Their use was primarily confined to the residential and small commercial sectors. This changed significantly in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
At the same time, the industry saw a significant transition from commercial-quality or mild steel to high-tensile steel. This shift allowed cladding to be rolled from much thinner materials while maintaining the same spanning and load-bearing capacity.
It was during this period that a major industry milestone was reached with the invention of the first mobile mill, which was developed in South Africa.
This era was particularly meaningful to White, as he was involved in drafting the first industry standards for metal cladding in the late 1980s. During that time, he was tasked with devising systems to test the wind-carrying capacity of concealed fixed profiles. Later, his career transitioned into contract management, where he became deeply involved in metal cladding.
“It was a very dynamic period,” Dennis recalls, noting that, at the time, only a few manufacturers were truly connected to the international standards and foreign links that were shaping the future. It was a time of discovery, driven by a fascination with how these new products were manufactured and, more importantly, how they would perform in the real world.
That initial spark of curiosity never dimmed. Reflecting on a career that has spanned more than six decades, Dennis notes, “Well, it’s afforded me the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the functionality of the products that are sold in this category and their applications.”
During the 1980s and 1990s, White was a key player in the “big power station builds” that remain the backbone of South Africa’s energy infrastructure. Serving as the contracts manager for the Dorbyl Group, he was responsible for the structures at the Duvha and Tutuka power stations.
These projects were massive undertakings that required a deep understanding of how large-scale industrial projects are managed from the ground up. This era of heavy structural work provided the foundation for his metal cladding specialisation, giving him a unique perspective on the durability and integrity required for steel construction projects.
White highlighted a critical shift in the South African cladding market following the country’s entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995, which transformed a fairly consolidated industry into a fragmented landscape split between formal, informal, and middle sectors. This fragmentation continues to this day. The purely price-driven informal sector often prioritises cost over safety, using inadequate materials and the middle sector (emerging contractors) is only partly regulated. This has led to a significant erosion of quality standards.
To counter these declining standards, White advocates for a “meeting of the minds” between technical experts and clients to ensure that quality and professional integrity are never sacrificed for speed or price. He highlights the critical role of associations like SAMCRA, which collaborates with SABS technical committees to review National Building Regulations and develop essential codes like SANS 10237.
By advocating for a refocus on Continuous Professional Development (CPD) as well as proper education and training, White believes that we will be able to develop young professionals and retain industry players who can better align their technical engineering expertise with client requirements, ensuring that cladding serves its essential role in the most effective way possible.
To ensure society functions harmoniously, White believes that we need regulations that protect the environment and public safety for everyone. Achieving this requires the collective expertise found within broad-based industry associations, such as the SAISC and SAMCRA.
Beyond the technical side, his personal yardstick has always been about maintaining professional integrity while truly listening to the client. White believes you cannot assume the client has your technical knowledge, and similarly, you should not assume you instinctively know exactly what they need. Taking the time to understand each other’s perspectives is essential to the success of any project.
For Dennis, a functional society and a successful steel construction industry both rely on a foundation of integrity. This approach ensures a mutual understanding where all parties are heard and expectations are clearly defined before moving forward.
His advice for those across the steel value chain is rooted in caution and curiosity: do not take unnecessary risks, think before you leap, and never stop learning from others.
A Lasting Contribution
While his early career was defined by the primary steel structures of power plants, the last 40 years of White’s career have been focused on metal cladding. His 13-year tenure with SAMCRA has allowed him to shape the standards and practices of the metal cladding industry in South Africa, as well as the broader steel construction industry.
Throughout his time with SAISC and SAMCRA, he has been a tireless advocate for the industry, ensuring that metal cladding is recognised as a critical structural system in its own right.
As Dennis White steps down and hands the reins of SAMCRA to the new Director, Johan van der Westhuizen, he leaves behind a legacy of professional excellence.
Looking ahead, the goal is to leave behind an industry defined by its integrity and its capacity for constant innovation. By building on the standards already established, the sector can remain aligned with world trends, ensuring it stays relevant and competitive on the global stage.
By balancing these human values of integrity and empathy with a clear-eyed view of complex market challenges, he has fundamentally strengthened the industry for the next generation.
The team at the SAISC and the broader steel industry thank him for his profound contributions and wish him the very best in his next chapter.