(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.
Established in 1948
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, 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.
Latest News
Turning Opportunity into Impact: Sanele Thikzazi’s SAIW Story
SAIW announces new strategy to elevate SA’s artisans
SAIW Implements Strategic Overhaul to Boost Efficiency and Service Delivery
SAIW Cuts Course Fees for 2025 to Bolster SA’S Real Economy Skills Base
Dawie Olivier – 2024 SAIW Gold Medal Award
ERIGER – Best IIW Manufacturing Certification Scheme ISO 3834 Company Award
Why Professionals and Companies Choose SAIW?
Accredited Welding Training in SA
Internationally Recognised Certification
ISO 17025-Accredited
Materials Testing
Welding Consulting That Adds Value
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
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
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.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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