Quick Navigation
- Introduction
- Who can nominate
- Why nominate
- Awards categories
- Judging criteria
- How the nomination process works
- Entry fees
- Key dates
- Project nomination form
Project nominations process
Introduction
Please review the information below before completing the project nomination form to submit your entry. If you are entering multiple projects, please submit a separate form for each.
The SAISC Steel Awards 2026 celebrate excellence, innovation and technical achievement in the use of steel across the built environment. The Awards provide a prestigious platform to showcase outstanding projects, recognise collaboration across the value chain, and promote steel as the material of choice in construction.
Industry-wide exposure
- Feature listings on the SAISC website
- Inclusion in the Annual printed Steel Construction Journal
- Promotion across SAISC and Steel Awards digital and social platforms
2,800+ newsletter subscribers across the South African and global steel value chain as well as 5,000+ monthly website visitors from around the world and over 8500+ followers across social media channels.
Professional recognition
- Independent judging by industry experts
- Formal recognition of project team members
- Certificates for winning and commended projects
Showcase your story
- Finalist projects featured at the Steel Awards Gala Dinners
- Winning projects receive dedicated video profiles
- Your project becomes a reference point for best practice in steel construction and will celebrate your team and their achievements
Business & networking value
- Visibility to architects, engineers, developers, contractors, fabricators, merchants and policymakers
- Strengthens credibility with clients and peers
- Positions your team as leaders in steel innovation and delivery
- Celebrate your team and their achievements at the event of the year, steel Awards Gala dinner
Who can nominate
Any member of a project team may nominate a project, provided that:
- The project was completed between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2025
- The project demonstrates the effective, innovative and meaningful use of steel
Whether you are an architect, consulting engineer, fabricator, steel merchant, producer, mill, or specialist contractor, nominating a project is your opportunity to highlight excellence, innovation, and collaboration across the steel value chain. SAISC and recognised sub-associations qualify for member entry rates, provided membership is in good standing at the time of nomination.
Why nominate
Nominating a project for the Steel Awards offers:
- Industry-wide recognition and peer validation
- A powerful marketing and business development opportunity
- Enhanced brand credibility for all contributing companies
- Formal recognition of project team members via certificates and publications
- A permanent digital and print legacy of the project
The nomination process is intentionally rigorous to ensure that shortlisted projects reflect the very best of the Southern African steel construction industry.
Awards categories
Projects are judged within categories determined by the nature of submissions received. A project may be presented/submitted into a maximum of two categories that best fit/describe their project scope, while remaining eligible for Overall Awards. Please note that final categories and allocations are determined based on projects received and judges’ digression.
High level categories typically include:
- Architectural Steel
- Bridges
- Mining
- Industrial / Process Buildings
- Factory / Warehouse Structures
- Innovation in Steel
- Light Steel Frame Building (LSFB)
- Metal Cladding
- Tubular Steel Structures
- Pan African
Final categories will be confirmed once nominations close. Please note that final categories and allocations are determined based on projects received and judges’ digression.
Judging criteria
The overarching question guiding the judges is: “Does the project clearly demonstrate what can be achieved using steel?”
Judging considerations include, but are not limited to:
- Structural significance of steel in the project
- Technical complexity and engineering excellence
- Innovation in design, fabrication or construction
- Aesthetic and architectural merit
- Sustainability and environmental considerations
- Constructability and execution quality
- Overall contribution to advancing steel construction
How the nomination process works
The Steel Awards nomination process is structured, fair and designed to highlight quality projects while ensuring consistency for judging and publication. Download the nominations process reference document below:
Step 1: Check your project eligibility
Your project must:
- Have been completed in 2024 or 2025
- Demonstrate excellence in the use of steel
- Have engaged project team members willing to participate in interviews
Step 2: Submit your online nomination
Nominations Open: 10 February 2026
Nominations Close: 30 April 2026
Complete the online nomination form by:
- Providing project nominator details
- Providing key contacts details
- Providing a project name
A confirmation email will be sent once your nomination is submitted and received.
At this stage, you are not required to prepare a full submission or presentation.
Step 3: Confirm payment
- An invoice will be issued after your nomination submission
- Payment confirms eligibility for judging
- Only paid nominations proceed to Step 4
Step 4: Prepare your project case study and team interview
When your invoice is issued, you will also receive a project details link to an online form. This form includes helpful guidance to assist you in providing the following:
- Steelwork specifications: Comprehensive technical details of the project.
- Category selection: Choosing the appropriate award categories.
- Team credits: Identifying key project team members.
Project Team Interviews: 1 – 15 May 2026
This is where your project story comes to life for the judges.
Nominators are required to:
- Prepare a case study presentation using the official SAISC PowerPoint template
- Gather additional technical, visual and role-specific info from key project contributors
- Coordinate attendance of team members (engineer, architect, fabricator, etc.)
- Ensure availability for the judging interview process
- Participate in a recorded online project team interview
The SAISC team will guide you through this step, providing support with:
- Presentation templates
- Clear instructions on what information is required
- Interview scheduling and coordination support
The interview focuses on design intent, technical excellence, innovation and the use of steel and reviewed by judges. Our team will provide all the needed templates and step-by-step guidance to get you prepared and schedule your booking. Need help with preparing your entry and case study presentation pack? We’ve got you covered. Click here for more.
*Please note, all presentations need to be on the template provided without any alterations (i.e. logos, special designs, colour alterations and animations).
Step 5 : Site visits of short-listed projects
Shortlisted projects will be eligible for site visits during June and July 2026 to gather more information for judging process. The nominator will be responsible for assisting the SAISC team in arranging this.
Step 6: Finalist showcase and awards
Finalist projects are showcased at the SAISC Steel Awards gala dinner, with winners receiving enhanced editorial, digital and video exposure.
Entry fees
- SAISC member rate: R5 500.00 (excl. VAT) per project
- Non-member rate: R6 500.00 (excl. VAT) per project
Payment must be received prior to judging. Projects with unpaid fees will not be eligible.
Key dates
Please note that these dates are indicative and subject to change.
Nominations open
10 February 2026
Nominations close
30 April 2026
Project interviews
April – May 2026
Site visits
June – July 2026
Steel Awards gala
Thursday, 29 October 2026
Check back to this section for any updates or changes.
Project nomination form
Preparing your entry
Need help with your entry? We’ve got you covered.
We understand that compiling a strong Steel Awards submission takes time, coordination and attention to detail — especially when multiple role players are involved.
That’s why SAISC has partnered with Nadia from Better-It Marketing, who brings:
- Extensive steel industry experience
- In-depth knowledge of Steel Awards requirements
- A practical, supportive approach to submissions
Better-It Marketing support can help with:
- Structuring your written project motivation
- Ensuring your entry aligns with judging criteria
- Coordinating project team input
- Reviewing and refining submissions before final upload
- Making sure nothing is missed or incorrectly submitted
This service is entirely optional and designed to support entrants who want peace of mind or additional assistance.
If you’d like support preparing your Steel Awards entry, simply indicate this during nomination or contact Nadia and her team directly.
Nadia Bekker
nadia@better-it.co
www.betteritmarketing.com
012 004 0897
FAQ section
Do I need to be a SAISC member to enter?
No. Both SAISC members and non-members may enter the Steel Awards. However, SAISC members qualify for a discounted entry fee.
What projects qualify for Steel Awards 2026?
Projects must have been completed between 2024 and 2025 and should demonstrate excellence in steel design, fabrication, construction, innovation, sustainability, or architectural expression.
Who can nominate a project?
Any authorised project stakeholder may nominate a project, including fabricators, engineers, architects, developers, contractors, or clients, provided they have approval from the project team.
Only one nominator per project is permitted, although a nominator may submit multiple projects.
What is the nominator responsible for?
The nominator is responsible for coordinating and submitting all required project information, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to deadlines.
The quality of the information submitted directly affects how the project is judged and whether it progresses. Judges rely solely on the submitted material to make a fair assessment.
Is the project interview compulsory?
Yes. All nominated projects must participate in a recorded project team interview (Phase 2).
These interviews form part of the judging process and are also used for marketing and publication purposes.
Are site visits part of the judging process?
Yes. Selected shortlisted or finalist projects may be chosen for site visits and close-up inspections. The nominator is responsible for coordinating the site visit with the SAISC team, including:
- Site access and permissions
- A project representative on site
- Access to inspect steelwork
- Permission to capture video and photographic footage
What happens if my submission is incomplete or late?
Incomplete, poor-quality, or late submissions may negatively affect the project’s evaluation or result in disqualification. It is the nominator’s responsibility to ensure all information and payments are received by the published deadlines.
Is payment required before judging?
Yes. No nomination will be judged unless full payment has been received by the due date.
Invoices are issued after submission, and EFT payment is preferred. Proof of payment must be submitted to the SAISC team. Payment & invoicing queries: elrika@saisc.co.za
Who do I contact for queries about nominations, sponsorships, or the awards event?
Nomination process & submissions:
Liezel Weber – steelawards@saisc.co.za
Sponsorship opportunities:
Liezel Weber – liezel@saisc.co.za
Event queries, bookings:
Liezel Weber – liezel@saisc.co.za
Invoice / payments:
Elrika Boshoff – elrika@saisc.co.za