As we close out the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made at the SAIW. It’s been a demanding year, but it’s also been one marked by real movement and steady improvement. We’ve stabilised our daily operations, modernised key systems and strengthened the foundations of our certification work. […]

SAIW EXPANDS CAPACITY OF AHEAD OF 2026 As South Africa prepares to advance its nuclear new-build programme, the country faces a critical challenge: a shortage of highly specialised welding, inspection, and non-destructive testing (NDT) skills required to deliver the safety-critical infrastructure nuclear power demands. These welds and inspections must meet some of the toughest integrity

This communication serves to inform you that SAIW Certification is starting a transition process to migrate all clients from ISO 9712: 2012 to the new ISO 9712: 2021 standard. The process will result in all existing NDT certifications issued by SAIW Certification being re-issued. The transition affects all valid NDT ISO 9712: 2012 certificates. The

The Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) 2025 Young Welder Challenge reached an exciting finale this week, shining a spotlight on the country’s most promising young welding talent and reaffirming the growing standard of excellence in local technical training. Khulekane Bhembe of Bazil Technologies emerged as the overall winner, impressing judges across multiple categories with

The Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) has officially confirmed the 2025 training dates for its new Introduction to Laser Welding Course, marking a bold step forward in upskilling South African welders to meet the demands of a rapidly modernising manufacturing sector. As South Africa pushes for reindustrialisation and inclusive economic growth, laser welding presents

Yet another ‘Story of Success’ from our training courses with the news that one of our current students Marku Ernst, has successfully attained the International Tube Welder (Comprehensive Level) Qualification, one of the most advanced certifications available in the field. This achievement highlights Marku’s commitment to excellence, and the effectiveness of the SAIW’s training programmes

The Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) is proud to announce the appointment of Vicus Burger as its new Executive Director, effective immediately. This key appointment marks a significant step in the SAIW’s ongoing strategic renewal plan to enhance operational efficiency and expand services. Burger joins the SAIW with a wealth of experience, a strong

As South Africa grapples with high youth unemployment and a sluggish economy, the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) says vocational and technical training could be key to reversing the trend. This is essential give that the National Development Plan calls for 30 000 qualified artisans to be trained annually by 2030, but currently, only

Ted Barwise, one of the longest-serving and most respected figures at the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW), has passed away. His career spanned more than three decades of dedicated service to welding education and training, both in South Africa and beyond. Barwise began his working life in Liverpool as an apprentice welder at Camell

Sanele Thikazi has been awarded a prestigious bursary allowing him to pursue the internationally recognised SMAW welder training programme through the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW). For this aspiring young professional, the opportunity marks a turning point in a journey defined by persistence, growth and a clear determination to build a career in welding.