Reflecting its commitment to empowering South African businesses and contributing to the country’s fight against unemployment, Astec Industries has launched two significant Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) initiatives.
SteelTech Trading is an Edenvale-based supplier of structural steel, sheet steel, plate, pipes and tubes. 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 Khahliso Mokhothu and Teboho Busa in October 2023. Both hail from humble beginnings in the township of Katlehong on Johannesburg’s East Rand. Bhekani Cele, head of Supply Chain at Astec AME explains that the business was identified as a small start-up 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.”
Astec’s AME’s investment in SteelTech has included a new ERP system and the requisite training as a well as a Sage subscription. 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. They will also have the opportunity to quote for Astec business,” Cele says.
Boksburg-based Delflow, a supplier of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, is the second business that Astec AME will develop as part of its latest Enterprise and Supplier Development 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 an accredited MerSETA skills provider,” Cele explains. “Facilities earmarked for training are being assessed and upgraded; we are working with Delflow, the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and subject matter experts to develop the required policies, training content and material.
“Astec is thrilled to have the chance to contribute to the creation of a pipeline of qualified workers for the skills strapped engineering sector,” 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.”
