Industry technical organisation the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) is implementing its strategic renewal plan, which is aimed at elevating the quality of skills training, expanding service offerings and modernising operations.

The SAIW is implementing key operational upgrades, including renewing course materials and modernising examination and certification processes. It is also working to expand its footprint across Africa by introducing specialised courses tailored to industry needs.

This initiative stems from the shortage of qualified skilled personnel in the welding and inspection field, which remains a pressing challenge for South Africa’s industrial and economic growth.

As a key component of this initiative, the institute is reinforcing its partnership with the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation to enhance local workforce development in inspection and welding sectors, thereby fostering a nuclear culture and improving quality standards for major infrastructure projects.

“Skilled trades, particularly in welding and inspection, are essential for infrastructure development, manufacturing, and energy projects. However, artisans and inspectors often struggle with limited recognition and career advancement opportunities.

“The SAIW’s renewal strategy seeks to address these issues by championing the value of skilled trades and advocating for greater industry respect and investment in training programmes,” says SAIW president Joseph Zinyana.

The SAIW will also introduce tailormade training programmes designed to meet industry demands directly. By leveraging advanced technology and a customer-centric approach, SAIW aims to create a modern, fit-for-purpose service for the welding and inspection sectors.

Further, the institute is forming a new technical department that will provide essential support for nondestructive testing (NDT), inspection and welding. Additionally, an ethics management team, led by SAIW acting executive director Confidence Lekoane, will oversee transparent and expedited resolutions to industry concerns.

Students and employers will also be given a platform to raise issues, ensuring continuous optimisation of training programmes and lecturer effectiveness, the organisation says.

To support these developments, the SAIW is actively recruiting for several key positions, including safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) auditors, an SAIW qualification and certification manager, as well as welding technology and NDT lecturing roles. This recruitment process is well underway.

The SAIW has also enlisted experienced board members with international welding expertise to conduct SHEQ audits. Industry specialists, including Morris Maroga, Johan Kruger, Kevin Xaba, as well as a non-SAIW board member Hartmut de Wet, have joined the team.

In addition, Dr Tony Paterson and Professor Nthabiseng Maledi will drive technological advancements and optimise course materials, while Carel van Aswegen and Dawie Olivier will oversee NDT and inspection departments, as well as certification verification for specialised credentials. Johan Pieterse will provide support in the practical training department.

“The SAIW is committed to strengthening South Africa’s skilled workforce through transparency, accountability and innovation. This renewal plan ensures the sustainability of SAIW, and reinforces our mission to support and elevate the status of skilled artisans who are vital to the country’s economic success,” Zinyana says.