South African Institute of Foundrymen
Representing and supporting South Africa’s foundry and metal casting sector through technical education, industry collaboration, professional networking, and skills development.
A recognised voice for the South African foundry industry
Established in 1939 as a branch of the Institute of British Foundrymen, the South African Institute of Foundrymen was later formed as SAIF and registered as an organisation not for gain in 2009.
In collaboration with industry stakeholders, government agencies, technical partners, and educational institutions, SAIF supports initiatives that assist the industry in overcoming challenges and strengthening the South African foundry sector.
View SAIF Memorandum of IncorporationVision and Mission
Vision
To be the voice of the South African foundry industry, creating growth and job opportunities through training, skills development, and education.
SAIF supports the dissemination of technical information and the advancement of new technologies in the foundry industry.
Mission
To improve the competitiveness of the South African metal casting industry, generating sustainable growth and employment opportunities in the manufacturing sector.
To effectively engage with international partners for the benefit of local sectors.
Impact Areas
SAIF supports industry development through skills training, technical communication, stakeholder collaboration, and initiatives that strengthen the South African foundry sector.
Skills Development & Training
Supporting training initiatives, accreditation processes, and skills development for foundry professionals, students, melters, moulders, and patternmakers.
Energy Efficiency & Waste Handling
Supporting industry initiatives and partnerships that help foundries respond to energy, waste, and operational efficiency challenges.
Building Partnerships
Representing industry and coordinating initiatives that add value through government, institutions, technical partners, and industry stakeholders.
Gauteng Foundry Training Centre
Supporting the development of training infrastructure and programmes that contribute to long-term foundry skills development.
New Casting Opportunities
Identifying opportunities for import replacement, export growth, and productivity improvement within the South African metal casting sector.
Research & Development
Assisting with the identification of industry needs and directing research opportunities through tertiary and technical research institutions.
Technical Information
Promoting technical information through meetings, workshops, conferences, communication, and industry knowledge-sharing.
Process & Technology Improvement
Supporting initiatives that assist the industry in increasing volumes, improving competitiveness, and adopting improved foundry technologies.
Objectives of SAIF
SAIF’s objectives support technical advancement, collaboration, skills development, and the continued strengthening of South Africa’s foundry and metal casting industry.
Industry Collaboration
To facilitate meetings of stakeholders engaged in the foundry and allied industries, encouraging the exchange of ideas relating to the science and practice of metal casting.
Industry Representation
To represent the South African foundry industry in common challenges and initiatives with government, municipalities, state-owned organisations, educational institutions, and standards authorities.
Strategic Partnerships
To associate and co-operate with scientific societies, institutions, and public or private sector partners for the promotion of SAIF’s goals.
Technology Advancement
To facilitate the exhibition and promotion of improved metal casting technologies and support the advancement of foundry operations.
Education & Training
To advance services and technologies related to metal castings through education, training, skills development, technical communication, and research.
Research & Knowledge Sharing
To promote research in foundry operations and circulate relevant information to stakeholders within the foundry and metal casting sector.
SAIF Board of Directors
The South African Institute of Foundrymen is guided by industry leaders who support the Institute’s role in advancing the South African foundry and metal casting sector.
Kevin van Niekerk
Lauds Projects & Procurement (Pty) Ltd
Terrence Stopforth
McWade Productions (Pty) Ltd