The Southern African Institute of Steel Construction (Saisc) has witnessed a marked increase in membership enquiries and applications this year, amid challenging market conditions impacting on its membership base.

Albeit reluctantly, there have been some membership resignations, says Saisc CEO Paolo Trinchero.

“Currently, Saisc has 451 members from disciplines across the steel supply chain. There has been considerable growth among the student member group, which is not included in the above count of 451; from 148 in 2018 to 460 in 2019,” he adds.

He points out that the steel construction sector recognises and appreciates the vital role that Saisc plays. Also, it is now more critical than ever that industry stakeholders pull together, show courage and display perseverance to regrow the sector.

Trinchero highlights that the impact of the institute on members has been positive, owing to the credibility, community, content and convenience it continues to provide.

He advances that Saisc provides credibility for companies in the steel construction sector and the broader built environment.

Also, the ongoing marketing and publicity campaigns undertaken by Saisc provide members with access to industry peers and a sense of belonging, Trinchero points out.

“Saisc provides access to high-quality technical content developed by experienced and qualified structural engineers and industry specialists. We also provide technical resources, tools, technical support and industry news on demand through platforms that are convenient for our members.”

Last month, Trinchero told Engineering News that Saisc was following a diverse and inclusive approach in the steel industry, as it was promoting the importance of women working in steel – owing to the local steel industry continuing to be somewhat male-dominated – as well as younger people joining the sector.

As the mature male population represents a small percentage of the country’s available intellectual power, a country that fails to embrace representation is not making full use of available resources.

As such, Saisc’s inclusivity initiative, which is in its beginning phase, will explore more ways of furthering this aim.

“We would like to get people not just from the steel sector, but from all walks of life in which steel is used to identify more closely with this amazing material. One of the ways in which we are doing so is through our various multimedia marketing campaigns promoting the motto, See yourself in steel,” he enthuses.

Inclusive representation is very important for the institute, the larger steel sector and the country overall. Globally, the impetus towards inclusivity is steadily gaining momentum as people see the long-term benefits, Trinchero explains.

“As a neutral party with members in all functions and levels in the Southern African steel construction industry, Saisc strives to achieve its goal of a sustainable, healthy and wealthy industry for all industry players. This is a challenge which requires a delicate balancing act, as members are likely to have opposing views and objectives.”

Saisc, therefore, endeavours to facilitate opportunities for members to engage in an open, respectful and robust discussion where the end goal is for the industry to survive and thrive, he adds.

The institute is committed to engaging all levels of government on behalf of the steel construction industry to ensure that members’ concerns are escalated and policymakers are aware of the practical implications involving their decisions.