(060) 015 4554From Legacy to Leadership
Building Skills. Enabling Growth. Powering Possibility.
The Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) is South Africa’s leading authority in welding training, certification, testing and technical consulting. For more than 77 years, we’ve built the foundation of welding excellence and today, we’re equipping professionals and companies across the continent to lead the future of fabrication, inspection and quality assurance. Whether you’re a welder, inspector, engineer, or employer the SAIW provides the skills, compliance, and credibility you need to succeed.
Building Skills. Creating Careers. Powering Industry
The Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) is where careers take shape and industries find strength. For over 77 years, we’ve led the way in welding and inspection excellence across Africa. Today, we’re training the next generation with future-ready skills, mobile learning, and hands-on certification that connect capable people to real jobs in energy, construction, manufacturing, and more.
In a country facing a severe artisan shortage and high youth unemployment, the SAIW offers a faster, more practical path to employment – one that’s grounded in quality and driven by purpose.
For companies, government, and industry partners, the SAIW is more than a training provider. We’re a strategic ally in building local capacity, ensuring compliance, and raising technical standards. Our globally aligned certification, expert auditors, and modernised systems help businesses reduce risk, unlock efficiency, and remain competitive in demanding markets. Whether you’re investing in people, projects, or performance, SAIW is the partner you can trust to deliver skills that build South Africa both literally and economically.
Why Professionals and Companies Choose SAIW?
Accredited Welding Training in SA
Our training isn’t just accredited – it’s elite. The SAIW operates a 34-bay welding school at our Johannesburg campus, designed for high-volume, hands-on learning with superior materials, modern equipment, and strict safety standards. Our world-class facility ensures every student is industry-ready.
Courses are taught by highly experienced, industry-seasoned lecturers who bring deep technical knowledge and real-world insight into every session.
We train and certify:
- Welders
- Welding Inspectors
- Welding Engineers, Technologists & Specialists
- NDT Practitioners and Technicians
Internationally Recognised Certification
As an IIW Authorised Nominated Body (ANB and ANBCC), The SAIW certifies both individuals and companies to global standards. Our certification services are trusted by leading South African manufacturers, fabricators, and construction firms.
We help companies:
- Meet client and regulatory requirements
- Qualify procedures and personnel
- Improve competitiveness through recognised credentials
ISO 17025-Accredited
Materials Testing
The SAIW operates one of South Africa’s top ISO 17025-accredited testing laboratories, offering mechanical and non-destructive testing (NDT) on welded samples.
Our lab services include:
- Welder performance qualification testing (WPQ)
- Welding Inspectors
- Destructive and non-destructive testing
- Failure investigations
Fast, accurate results that support safety, quality, and compliance.
Welding Consulting That Adds Value
The SAIW provides expert consulting services to help organisations solve real-world challenges – from welding procedure development to fabrication problem-solving and site audits.
We work with:
- Heavy industry
- Power generation
- Structural steel & construction
- Oil, gas & mining
- Transport and infrastructure projects
Our expertise helps reduce rework, ensure compliance, and elevate your welding quality.
Proudly Serving South Africa and the African Continent
Many of our programmes are aligned with International Institute of Welding (IIW) standards, enabling our graduates to compete and lead across South Africa and the African continent.
Proudly South African. Globally recognised. Built for tomorrow.
Latest News
The SAIW Announces Laser Welding Course Dates as It Drives Skills Development in High-Tech Fabrication
Raising the Bar: SAIW Celebrates Student Success in Advanced Tube Welding
SAIW appoints Vicus Burger as New Executive Director to Drive Strategic Renewal & Operational Efficiency
SA needs 30 000 Artisans a Year but only trains 20 000: Experts Warn of Skills Gap
Tribute to Ted Barwise: Remembering a Welding Pioneer and Mentor
Turning Opportunity into Impact: Sanele Thikzazi’s SAIW Story
Contact us for assistance or complaints
Address
52 Western Boulevard
Off Main Reef Rd
City West Johannesburg
Contact Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Not all courses require these subjects. Many of SAIW’s practical welding and entry-level programs do not require a formal background in Maths and Science. However, more technical or advanced programs such as those in welding inspection or non-destructive testing (NDT) may require Matric Maths, Science, or a pass in a proficiency test. If you’re unsure, contact the SAIW to check specific course requirements or discuss a suitable entry path.
Register online through the SAIW website. Visit www.saiw.co.za, click “Register for a Course,” and follow the steps. You’ll need to upload your ID, qualifications, and booking documents. Once approved, you’ll receive a quote and then a booking confirmation after payment. You can also email info@saiw.co.za for help if needed.
Begin with a practical welding course. The SAIW offers beginner-friendly training, starting at the Fillet Welder level. These hands-on courses are ideal for students with no prior experience and focus on developing strong, foundational skills.
It depends on your strengths and interests. If you have good hand-eye coordination, enjoy working with your hands, and want to build things, welding is a great fit. If you’re detail-oriented, enjoy the science behind materials, and want to inspect rather than build, a career in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) might suit you better. The SAIW offers entry routes into both, with or without Matric Maths and Science, depending on the programme.
Not at all. It’s essential, highly-skilled work that drives South Africa’s real economy. Welding and NDT are critical to the infrastructure, power generation, manufacturing, and petrochemical industries that keep the country running. These aren’t just trades; they’re technical professions requiring skill, precision, and global standards of quality. SAIW-trained professionals contribute to building safe bridges, pipelines, power plants, and more. With international recognition, these careers offer serious earning potential and global mobility.
The SAIW accepts multiple payment methods: EFT (bank transfer), Bank deposit, Credit/Debit card (on site), PayFast, MobiCred. Payment must be made at least 5 working days before the course starts. Full payment is required to confirm your seat unless you’ve made special arrangements.
Yes, some flexibility is available. The SAIW offers modular course formats and regional courses that may include evening or weekend options depending on demand. Check the schedule for Durban, Cape Town, or Johannesburg, or contact SAIW to explore customized courses for your location or work schedule.
Yes, the SAIW runs training in both cities and offers scheduled and non-scheduled courses in Cape Town and Durban, in addition to its main campus in Johannesburg. Courses in these regions are demand-dependent, meaning they’ll run as soon as the minimum number of students (usually five) have enrolled. Venue details are confirmed upon booking.