Steel Forward 2026: Strengthening quality, confidence & industry leadership

Uniting the value chain to elevate standards, strengthen supply resilience and reinforce confidence through industry-led quality assurance.

Event Overview

Steel Forward 2026 convenes leaders and professionals from across the steel value chain to examine the evolving conditions shaping steel supply, quality governance and industry collaboration in Southern Africa. As the sector responds to shifting supply dynamics, market pressures and the increasing importance of robust quality and grading frameworks, this event is positioned within the broader context of the industry quality programme being advanced by the Southern African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC).

The quality programme represents a structured industry response aimed at strengthening confidence in steel products through clearer grading alignment, improved traceability, and recognised certification pathways. Within this framework, quality is approached not simply as compliance, but as an enabler of performance, innovation and market credibility across local and regional supply chains.

Steel continues to play a central role in infrastructure, manufacturing, construction and economic development. Recent industry developments, however, underscore the necessity for greater cohesion among mills, merchants, fabricators, engineers and end users to ensure reliable supply, verified material quality and consistent standards of performance. A shared and measurable commitment to quality — supported by SAISC’s initiatives — is therefore fundamental to improving project outcomes, enhancing competitiveness and safeguarding the integrity of the built environment.

The programme will explore strategic approaches to strengthening supply resilience, embedding best practice in grading and quality assurance, and fostering collaborative mechanisms that support the objectives of the SAISC quality programme. By bringing together senior executives, technical specialists and industry stakeholders, Steel Forward 2026 aims to contribute to a future in which recognised quality frameworks, coordinated industry action and technical excellence underpin every stage of the steel value chain.

Event Details

Date: 26 March 2026
Time: 6:30 for 7:00 (until 11:00)
Venue: Venue: Rainbow Room, Johannesburg Country Club, Auckland Park
Cost: Members: R700 / Non Members R950
Bookings close: 20 March 2026

Why You Should Attend: Expert Strategic Insights: Gain a high-level perspective on navigating the evolving dynamics of both local and global markets.

High-Value Networking: Connect and collaborate with key decision-makers, technical experts, and industry leaders across the value chain.

Innovation & Future Trends: Discover how the sector is evolving through new technologies, improved safety standards, and modern design philosophies.

Enquiries: liezel@saisc.co.za

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Relive the Highlights

Curious about the insights and impact of our previous sessions? You can access the full recap of last year’s SAISC Industry Breakfasts and explore the key discussions and view the gallery of our speakers and attendees.

Industry Breakfast - Emerging Trade Issues Shaping the Structural Steel Industry - 5 June 2025
Industry Breakfast - Steel Supply Revisited - 6 March 2025