Africa’s Lifting Industry Has Until 31 July to Recognise Excellence
Johannesburg, South Africa – Time is running out for companies across Africa’s lifting industry to gain the recognition they deserve. With the 31 July 2026 entry deadline fast approaching, organisers of the Southern African Lifting Awards are urging businesses, project teams and industry professionals to submit their entries before nominations close.
Now in its second year, the Southern African Lifting Awards have rapidly established themselves as the benchmark for recognising excellence across the lifting, crane, rigging, heavy transport, access and materials handling industries.
The awards celebrate the companies and individuals who continue to raise standards through engineering excellence, innovation, safety, skills development and outstanding project delivery across the African continent.
The prestigious awards gala will take place on Friday, 30 October 2026, at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, Boksburg, where the industry’s leading decision-makers will gather to celebrate the year’s outstanding achievements.
Recognition That Lasts Long After Awards Night
Winning—or even being named a finalist—is about far more than receiving a trophy.
Award recipients benefit from extensive exposure through Lifting Africa’s print and digital publications, website, newsletters and social media channels, providing valuable marketing opportunities that continue long after the awards evening.
Recognition also demonstrates to customers, partners and employees that a company is committed to excellence, quality, innovation and continuous improvement.
“Every day we see companies delivering exceptional projects, introducing innovative lifting solutions, investing in their people and maintaining world-class safety standards,” says Surita Marx, Founder of the Southern African Lifting Awards and Managing Director of Lifting Africa. “These awards exist to celebrate those achievements. Whether you are a multinational organisation or a specialist lifting company, this is your opportunity to showcase your success and gain the industry recognition your team has earned.”
Entries Welcome Across the Entire Industry
The awards are open to organisations throughout Africa involved in:
- Mobile and tower cranes
- Rigging and heavy lifting
- Abnormal transport
- Access equipment
- Materials handling
- Manufacturing
- Engineering
- Lifting equipment
- Inspection and certification
- Training
- Mining
- Construction
- Ports and logistics
- Industrial services
Organisations of every size are encouraged to enter, from emerging businesses to internationally recognised companies.
Celebrating Excellence Across Multiple Categories
The Southern African Lifting Awards recognise achievement across a wide range of categories, including:
- Excellence in Engineering
- Project of the Year
- Innovation
- Safety Excellence
- Environmental Excellence
- Skills Development
- Apprentice / Technician of the Year
- Industry Leadership
- Company Excellence
- Lifetime Achievement
Many companies have delivered award-worthy projects without realising the significance of their accomplishments. Organisers encourage businesses not to underestimate the impact of their innovations, people or projects.
Industry Support Continues to Grow
The continued support of leading organisations highlights the growing stature of the awards within the industry.
The 2026 programme is proudly supported by:
- YOKE Industrial Corp – Platinum Sponsor
- RiConnect – Platinum Sponsor
- Electra Mining Africa – Official Photography Sponsor
- Sarens – Official Table Sponsor
- Lifting Placements – Industry Partner
Additional sponsors continue to join the programme as excitement builds towards October.
Why Enter?
Companies that participate in the Southern African Lifting Awards benefit from:
- Independent industry recognition
- Increased credibility with customers and stakeholders
- National and international media exposure
- Recognition for employees and project teams
- Enhanced company profile
- Valuable marketing opportunities
- Networking with senior industry leaders
- Demonstrating leadership within Africa’s lifting industry
For many organisations, an award or finalist position becomes a powerful business development and recruitment tool, showcasing excellence to clients, suppliers and future employees alike.
Deadline Approaching
Entries officially close on: Friday, 31 July 2026 at 17:00 (SAST) Late submissions cannot be accepted.
Companies intending to enter are encouraged to begin finalising their submissions immediately to ensure sufficient time to prepare supporting documentation, photographs and project information.
Event Details
Southern African Lifting Awards 2026
Date: Friday, 30 October 2026
Venue: Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, Boksburg, South Africa
Entry Deadline: Friday, 31 July 2026 – 17:00
About the Southern African Lifting Awards
Hosted by Lifting Africa, the Southern African Lifting Awards recognise outstanding achievement across Africa’s lifting, crane, rigging, heavy transport, access and materials handling industries. The awards celebrate innovation, engineering excellence, safety, leadership and the people and organisations driving the industry forward.
For More Information
To submit your entry, explore sponsorship opportunities or reserve your place at the awards ceremony, visit:
Website: www.liftingawards.co.za
Email: info@liftingawards.co.za
Contact: Surita Marx
Mobile: +27 83 281 5761
