NEW SEIFSA BOARD READY TO FACE A CHALLENGING YEAR
The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) hosted its Presidential Breakfast on 8 October 2026 at Destiny Exclusive Hotel & Convention Centre in Kempton Park. The event brought together business leaders and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of South Africa’s metals and engineering sector and the priorities facing the organisation under its new leadership.
Newly elected SEIFSA President Elias Monage called on the Federation to remain an authoritative voice for industry, particularly as the sector prepares for wage negotiations in 2027. He welcomed the incoming Board and emphasised the value of bringing together different skills and experience to achieve better results.
Business Must Use Its Voice
The first keynote speaker, Professor Nick Binedell, founder of the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), challenged business to take a more active role in shaping South Africa’s future. He noted that the country has the raw materials and infrastructure needed to succeed, but must act faster to turn its potential into results.
He presented business with three choices: exit, loyalty or voice, stressing that South Africa needs business and SEIFSA to speak up and influence the decisions affecting the economy.
The second keynote speaker, Silas Zimu, Special Adviser on Energy to the Minister of Electricity and Energy, encouraged businesses to play an active role in addressing the country’s challenges. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to the companies represented by SEIFSA and recognised the metals and engineering sector’s resilience despite persistent difficulties.
The second keynote speaker, Silas Zimu, Special Adviser on Energy to the Minister of Electricity and Energy, encouraged businesses to play an active role in addressing the country’s challenges. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to the companies represented by SEIFSA and recognised the metals and engineering sector’s resilience despite persistent difficulties.
Zimu also highlighted the importance of developing renewable energy projects using locally manufactured components and called on industry to expand the availability of locally produced metal products to reduce reliance on imports.
Introducing the New SEIFSA Leadership
The event marked the start of a new leadership term for SEIFSA. Elias Monage was elected President, Mervyn Naidoo became First Vice-President, and Pam du Plessis was elected Second Vice-President.
Naidoo reflected on his term as President with gratitude and confidence in the organisation’s future. He also highlighted the work of the SEIFSA Training Centre in developing skilled artisans for the sector and future generations.
The incoming Board brings together leaders from across the metals and engineering industry:
- Bridget Ledwaba, Managing Director of Weir Minerals Africa
- Harry Kassel, Chief Executive Officer of Reclamation Group
- Nicolette Skjoldhammer, Chief Executive Officer of Betterect
- Pam du Plessis, Chief Executive Officer of Invincible Valves
- Tumi Tsehlo, Chief Executive Officer of Dynamic Fluid Control
They join existing Board members Ernst Volschenk, Johan Strydom, Hercu Aucamp, Lucio Trentini and Tafadzwa Chibanguza, SEIFSA’s Chief Executive Officer.
Looking Ahead
The discussions reinforced the need for stronger industry representation, closer collaboration between business and government, and practical action to support local manufacturing, industrial development and job retention.
As SEIFSA begins this new chapter, the Federation remains committed to representing the interests of its members and advocating for the policies and conditions needed to support a competitive and sustainable metals and engineering sector.
