Industry organisation the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa's (Seifsa's) 2024 Awards for Excellence highlighted the diverse work of companies in the metals and engineering sector.

Steel distributor Macsteel won the Company Artisan Award for its School of Steel, which offers specialised training for apprentices and artisans, including opportunities for apprentices with disabilities.

Macsteel also received the Most Innovative Award for its Harvey EcoTile that is made from 97% waste material and is fully recyclable.

Engineering services company New Age Engineering Solutions received a Commendation Award for exceptional commitment and dedication to artisan development, and equipping young artisans with hands-on training in preparing them for the world of work, Seifsa said.

Timber industrial software company MiTek was awarded the Corporate Social Responsibility Award for its 'Educate to Innovate' strategy, which has created impactful partnerships that support early childhood development and community upliftment.

Metal pressings manufacturer Malben Engineering won the Environmental Award as a pioneer in sustainable manufacturing and the first local manufacturer to bring green steel to Africa.

Further, Robert Stone was awarded the Lifetime Contribution to the Industry Award “for an incredible career and life story, and for your invaluable contribution to the Metals and Engineering industry”.

Stone retired from full-time service in 2019 as industrial and base metals producer ZIMCO’s director for sales and marketing after 50 years of service but remains active in Seifsa and other industry bodies, said Seifsa CEO Lucio Trentini.

Valve products company Invincible Valves won the Best Customer Service Award for their exemplary dedication to transparent, reliable and customer-focused service.

Invincible Valves CEO Pam du Plessis was presented with the Business Woman of the Year Award and because she “has fostered a people-centred culture, extending wellness, education, and mentorship initiatives not only to her team but also to the wider community”.

“Pam’s dedication to empowering her team and community, along with her visionary leadership, has truly set her apart,” said Seifsa COO Tafadzwa Chibanguza.

Further, residential and industrial geyser manufacturer Kwikot received a Commendation Award for its valuable contributions to education and equality.

Steel fabricator Betterect Group won the Commendation Award for its bolted, rubber-lined tank design, which offers a sustainable alternative to traditional tank construction.

Steel producer ArcelorMittal was named the winner of the BRICS AI Award, which recognises innovative AI applications that enhance knowledge-sharing and operational efficiency.

ArcelorMittal won the award for its AXEL AI-powered knowledge wizard that allows employees to access essential data.

Meanwhile, Ortho-Design founder Dian Peach won the Young Entrepreneur Award. Peach has a Master’s in Biomechanical Engineering, and the company has pioneered the successful design and manufacture of an endoprosthesis for a dog, among other innovations.

“Driven by a passion for innovation in orthopaedics, Ortho-Design became the first company in South Africa to successfully register a soft-tissue fixation range with the [US Food and Drug Administration] FDA, a milestone that reflects Ortho-Design’s commitment to quality and global standards,” said Trentini.

Heating, ventilation and cooling system design company HC Group won the Commendation Award for its ANSWR CO2 Heat Pump Chiller, which uses CO₂ as a natural refrigerant to provide simultaneous heating and cooling, reducing energy consumption significantly.

Transformer manufacturer SGB Smith won the Workplace Health and Safety Award for its “leadership commitment, employee engagement and proactive safety management”.

Electrical equipment manufacturer JB Switchgear received the Commendation Award for its health and safety interventions and initiatives.

“The Commendation Awards allow us to highlight and recognise the incredible work that companies in our sector are doing, even if they are not the primary award recipients,” said Seifsa marketing, sales and communications executive Nuraan Alli.