Steel supply company offered ESD opportunity

Edenvale-based steel supplier SteelTech Trading is one of two companies that will benefit from a significant enterprise and supplier development (ESD) programme, which has been launched by construction equipment manufacturer Astec Industries.

The ESDs reflect Astec Industries’ commitment to empowering South African businesses and contributing to the country’s fight against unemployment.

SteelTech Trading is a supplier of structural steel, sheet steel, plate, pipes and tubes, and its key markets are the construction and manufacturing industries.  

Astec’s Johannesburg-based Africa Middle East (AME) division has partnered with the business to help it grow and build its customer base, in addition to developing and upskilling SteelTech to enable it to become an Astec supplier.

SteelTech was founded by entrepreneurs MD Khahliso Mokhothu and entrepreneurial visionary Teboho Busa in October 2023, with both hailing from the township of Katlehong, on Johannesburg’s East Rand.

Astec AME supply chain head Bhekani Cele explains that the business was identified as a small startup with big potential.

“We were looking for a 100%-black-owned steel business to work with and we identified SteelTech, which shares our commitment to quality, innovation and customer service. We are confident that the support of a leading global brand like Astec will help the business to achieve significant growth,” explains Cele.

Additionally, Astec AME’s investment in SteelTech has included a new enterprise resource planning system, and the requisite training, as a well as a subscription with computer technology provider Sage.

The group’s quality team is working with SteelTech to assess all its processes and make improvements wherever possible.

“We have furnished the entire office space, including a boardroom, to enhance their engagement with customers and prospective customers,” says Cele, adding that the company will subsequently be offered the opportunity to quote for Astec business. 

The Other Beneficiary

Boksburg-based hydraulic equipment supplier Delflow is the second business that Astec AME will develop as part of its new ESD programme.

An important apprenticeship programme that will help to address South Africa’s high youth unemployment and the skills deficit forms part of this partnership.

“We are working with Delflow, which is a long-standing Astec supplier and a 51%-black-owned business, to help them become a Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority- (merSETA-) accredited tertiary skills provider,” Cele explains.

“Facilities earmarked for training are being assessed and upgraded; we are working with Delflow, South African public entity Quality Council for Trades and Occupations and subject matter experts to develop the required policies, training content and material,” he expands.

Accreditation with MerSETA will position Delflow as a key player in the development of South Africa’s future workforce and will grow their business.

“However, this important Astec ESD initiative is not only about strengthening Delflow’s business but also opening up new avenues for skills development and employment, to address one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges," concludes Cele.