Sassda, (Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association), is one of the most active stainless steel industry associations in the world and has since 1964, been involved in increasing the awareness and use of stainless steel in Southern Africa.

It offers its members a wide variety of services, the most notable of which are technical information and advice, education, training and skills upgrading, a range of publications and market, industry and business development support.

The Association is governed by a Constitution with an elected Main Committee having control of its affairs. Drawn from this Main Committee, and reporting to it, is an Executive Committee, each member of which is responsible for a particular portfolio such as finance, education, publications or market development.

Sassda's head office is in Rivonia where, under the management of the Executive Director, a permanent staff handles day to day affairs. It is also assisted by consultants operating out of various regions.

Membership of the Association, which is subject to ratification by the Main Committee, is open to both national and international companies and individuals, in good standing involved in the production, distribution, fabrication, conversion and use of stainless steel.

Sassda, which is a non profit-making body, derives its income from a variety of sources. These include membership subscriptions, a levy on the sale of domestic stainless steel and income from publications, education and technical activities.

Where appropriate, Sassda members are grouped into one of several industry sectors, the members of which meet on a regular basis to discuss areas of common interest. Each sector appoints a chairman who represents that sector on the Main Committee.

Individual sectors, which are allocated budget funds according to their needs, are responsible for directing Sassda's activities in areas such as market research, sector promotion, workshops, seminars and government liaison in respect of trade practices, duties and incentives.

Sectors are also encouraged to produce brochures on their capacity and activities as a way of making the market aware of their capabilities.

There are 10 sectors currently active but additional sectors can be formed whenever the need arises.

• Architectural, Building & Construction
• Capsec - Cape Stainless Equipment Cluster
• Catcon Interest Group
• Consumerware
• SASSFA - (Southern African Stainless Steel Fabricators Association)
• SATCA - (South African Tank Container Association)
• Surface Finishing Sector
• Tube and Pipe Manufacturers
• Welding