The Metals and Engineering sector celebrated the grit and hard work of its members at the 10th SEIFSA Awards for Excellence on Thursday, November 20 at the Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre in Kempton Park.

“This year’s awards represent 10 years of recognising the breadth of talent in South Africa’s Metal & Engineering sector and the resilience of both small and large companies,” said SEIFSA CEO Lucio Trentini.

The SEIFSA Lifetime Achievement Award recognises decades of commitment and dedication from an industry titan, and this year that is Henk Duys, Executive Chairman of the Duys Engineering Group. “SEIFSA is about people, and Henk exemplifies everything SEIFSA stands for – resilience, dedication, a commitment to exceeding expectations and a reminder that with a clear vision, anything is possible,” said Trentini.

He called Duys “an industrialist and visionary leader who answered the call to lead and, never for one moment, expected anything in return” and someone” who has given decades of dedication, passion and excellence to the work of SEIFSA and the Metals and Engineering Industry”.

SEIFSA Vice-President Elias Monage presented the Additive Manufacturing BRICS+ Award. “The Award celebrates innovation that transforms industry and lives through the power of technology. This year’s recognition goes to a company pioneering patient-specific medical implants right here in South Africa — a remarkable example of how advanced manufacturing and biomedical science can work hand in hand,” he said. Metal Heart, which specialises in custom titanium implants and prosthetics, was named the winner.

Monage also presented the Humanitarian Award, a reminder that service is a more powerful form of leadership than authority — “it is about lifting others so that they too can stand tall”, he said.

iButho Le Africa, founded by Mpumi Masinga, won the award for its work in rural and peri-urban communities to empower young boys — a group often overlooked in the conversation about social development.

Nuraan Alli, SEIFSA Marketing Sales & Communication Executive, began the eventful evening by announcing the Best Customer Service Award, which recognises the company that consistently puts its clients first, builds trust through every interaction and turns service into a competitive strength. Centurion Systems and Dynamic Fluid Control (DFC) were the two finalists, with Centurion Systems taking the honours.

Zizile Lushaba-Nyawo, SEIFSA Human Capital and Skills Development Executive, introduced the Company Artisan Award, which celebrates the companies that build artisans, the foundation of this industry.

ArcelorMittal South Africa, which “has made artisan training part of its national Mission”, and ACTOM, which is committed to “skills development in South African engineering”, were the two finalists for this category, with ACTOM named the winner.

The Corporate Social Responsibility Award recognises companies that make a difference in the communities around them. “These are businesses that step outside the factory gates to help build stronger, more resilient communities,” said Alli.

The winner was Aberdare Cables, which “has demonstrated what sustained social investment looks like when it’s guided by purpose”.

CEO-designate Tafadzwa Chibanguza introduced the Businesswoman of the Year by reminding guests that “leadership is defined not by position but by persistence that is sometimes referred to as an iron fist in a velvet glove”.

There are two winners in this category. Nicolette Skjoldhammer, CEO of Betterect, a pioneer in heavy engineering and structural steel, who has guided her company’s expansion into mining, renewable energy and major infrastructure projects. Pam du Plessis, CEO of Invincible Valves, takes top honours for the second year in a row. She has led Invincible Valves through growth and transformation and created a business where people development is at the centre of success.

SEIFSA Awards for Excellence 2025

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Henk Duys
• Best Customer Service Award: Centurion Systems, Winner; and Dynamic Fluid Control, Commendation Award
• Company Artisan Award: ACTOM, Winner; and ArcelorMittal South Africa, Commendation Award
• Corporate Social Responsibility Award: Aberdare Cables, Winner; JB Switchgear Solutions, Commendation Award; Kwikot, Commendation Award
• Additive Manufacturing BRICS+ Award: Metal Heart
• Businesswoman of the Year: Nicolette Skjoldhammer, CEO of Betterect, and Pam du Plessis, CEO of Invincible Valves, both Winners
• Humanitarian Award: iButho Le Africa, founded by Mpumi Masinga
• Most Innovative Company Award: Defy Appliances, Winner; Hydro Power Equipment, Commendation Award; and VescoPlastics Sales, Commendation Award
• The Environment Stewardship Award: Infinite Industries, Winner; HC Heat Exchangers, Commendation Award; and Revive Electrical Transformers, Commendation Award 
• Young Entrepreneur Award: Keotshepile Jonathan, Jonoago Group
• Bursar of the Year: Mpumelelo Madlala, Mechanical Engineering student at University of Pretoria
• Artisan of the Year Award: Gift Sikupa Khumalo
• Workplace Health and Safety Award:           Sulzer Pumps, Winner; and Babcock Africa Holdings, Commendation Award