The sustainability of the steel industry in South Africa
Date
2017
Authors
Raaleka, Tebogo Immaculate
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Undoubtedly the steel industry in South Africa remains one of the key strategic industries within the manufacturing sector and the South African economy overall. However, recent developments have led to the industry‟s decline, raising grim concerns and uncertainties about this key industry‟s viability, casting doubts about the future prosperity and sustainability of the industry; as various stakeholders contented to identify and mitigate a range of factors impacting the industry.
The purpose of this study was to identify factors that impact the steel industry in South Africa and to determine whether there are any key factors (or influential drivers) that have resulted in the recent decline in the industry. Moreover, the study aimed to develop an empirical model that represents the industry, allowing for simulations and plausible future scenarios to be tested to identify measures, interventions and outcomes required to ensure the sustainability of the industry
This research identified a multitude of factors that have resulted in the recent decline in the steel industry in South Africa, with particular reference to the key factors (or influential drivers) that are directly attributable and most influential to the industry‟s decline. Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) was used as a methodology for analysis, wherein an empirical model of the steel industry was developed.
The study identified increasing steel imports, Chinese steel overcapacity, increasing input costs, subdued economic growth, inadequate infrastructure investment and lack of government/institutional policy as the most influential drivers. The research further identified and concluded that the growth and sustainability of the steel industry in South Africa is dependent not only on policy interventions aimed at controlling the influx of imports or promoting downstream beneficiation and localisation; but rather more prominently on measures that would act as precursors to stimulating or inducing demand for steel and steel consuming products.
Keywords: Fuzzy cognitive mapping, manufacturing end users, downstream beneficiation
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M.B.A. Thesis
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Steel industry and trade -- South Africa, South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991