Steel is an indispensable and versatile material in municipal bulk water infrastructure, where pipelines traverse many kilometres of remote and demanding terrain to meet the potable water needs of South African communities. By Keitumetse Moumakoe, director, ASTPM used extensively in the construction industry for many years, steel pipes are viewed as a stronger and more flexible alternative to iron- and plasticbased pipes.

In recent months the spotlight has been shone on government’s localisation plans, which aims to reduce imports and build domestic production to supply local and international markets, thus enabling job opportunities. But is localisation a sustainable option to develop SA or will it create further challenges?

The steel Tube Export Association of South Africa took part in the OSIM Zambia on 12-16 August 2019 in Lusaka, Ndola and Kitwe. The mission was well organised and executed through the collaborative effort of the Engineering Technology Group of Export Councils (ETGEC) and the Trade & Invest Africa (TIA) staff heading up the mission.