Structa Technology, based in Meyerton, Gauteng, is a proudly South African company and part of the Structa Group founded in 2002. A Level 1 B-BBEE entity, the business has built a strong reputation as a leading manufacturer of custom-built steel structures for electrification and telecommunications, water storage solutions, and infrastructure products that serve municipalities, utilities and industry nationwide.
A leader in its field, Structa Technology operates a 28 000 m2 manufacturing facility, equipped with advanced steel fabrication technology to deliver best-in-class process efficiencies and quality. The strategic focus is on turnkey execution, from design and manufacturing through to galvanising, transport and site erection on projects throughout South Africa and Africa.
This capability is backed by an in-house engineering team responsible for research and development (R&D), product design optimisation, plus erection recommendations. The latter include foundations for tanks and towers. Across the board, Structa operates under ISO 9001:2015 and meets all relevant SANS standards, ensuring durability, safety, and compliance.
Cutting-edge fabrication techniques
Central to its focus on engineering innovation is an ongoing investment in world class fabrication technologies. In this respect, Structa Technology has recently acquired a state-of-the-art 700 tonne automated CNC tandem press with 14 m bending lengths, which will further enhance its ability to handle large-scale steel forming projects.
Within the Group, we have further strengthened our capabilities through investment in the latest cutting-edge laser technology. A prime example is the recent acquisition of a 15-metre-long, 20 kW tube laser cutting machine with a 3,5 m wide bed – which like the 700 tonne CNC bending press - is believed to be the first of its kind installed in South Africa.
“The new laser machine further strengthens our market offering in terms of fabricating products such as telecommunications and power transmission towers,” explains Hercules Rossouw, Managing Director of Structa Technology. “This investment has also significantly improved production throughout the Group, enabling us to deliver within faster timeframes with unprecedented accuracy.”
In terms of cutting technology, Structa employs laser, plasma and angle processing for both thin and heavy plate and structural steel. This is followed by key processes that include semi-automated long seam welding, beam drilling, and assembly. For its water storage lines, Structa employs specialist 6 kW laser cutting machines for fabrication of the tank plates.
“Each product line has its own specific production set-up, backed by specific technologies,” adds Rossouw. “The employment of the latest CAD software enables a seamless transition from design to the factory floor. Here the software is directly linked to CNC drilling lines and angle workers, as well as to laser and plasma cutters, with every component marked with a specific fabrication code for quality control.”
Water storage solutions
Alongside its mast range, Structa is well known for its Prestank sectional steel water tanks, proven in municipal, industrial, mining and power projects. An iconic example is the 4,2 Mℓ firefighting tank installed at Eskom’s Medupi power station. Designed, fabricated and commissioned by the Group in 2014, this tank represented a major milestone in Prestank R&D as it is the largest unit produced by Structa to date.
Prestank models range in size from around 1,5 Mℓ up to 4,2 Mℓ or higher and are designed in accordance with SANS 10329:2004 guidelines. In turn, the steel truss stands on which they are mounted are fabricated strictly in accordance with SANS 10160 for wind and SANS 10162 for Structural Steel Work.
To perfect these designs, Structa’s engineering team employ finite element structural analysis to optimise plate design and positioning of internal bracing, and computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis to optimise wind resistance. Then as part of the final quality control protocol, laboratory testing confirms ultimate leak-free structural integrity.
“As a demonstration of our design innovation, we custom design our Prestanks to meet specific customer requirements. Past examples include the development of L-shaped tanks to fit around building footprints,” says Rossouw.
In parallel with its Prestank series, Structa also fields round modular tanks in the form of the Circotank Maxi (100 kℓ to 1 500 kℓ) and Midi (1 000 to 20 000 litres). The former meets the needs of industrial water storage and bulk rural water supply schemes, while the latter is well-suited for markets like schools, clinics, offices and small-scale rural water storage.
Erection of Maxi tanks is performed using a strake lifting system that requires no craneage. In turn, the Midi tanks are easily assembled on site in kit form with a small crew and can be mounted on a tower if required.
Supporting national power infrastructure
In every instance, electrification is the essential enabler for water network performance and reservoir supply, alongside all other industrial and municipal energy demand requirements.
As part of its integrated solutions, Structa Technology is a leading supplier of transmission and distribution powerline pylons in Southern Africa, with Eskom being one of its largest clients.
Typical products manufactured for Eskom and municipal use include monopole pylons (11k V – 220 kV); double pole pylons (132 kV – 220 kV); lattice pylons (132 kV – 400 kV); and utility poles for low voltage (11 kV) distribution.
The utility pole range has now found wide application as a long-term reliable replacement for wooden poles. These structures offer a much lighter, easily transportable option, resistant to fire and rot, as well as ease of maintenance.
In addition, Structa Technology manufactures specialised tower products for the wireless telecommunications sector – including the current 5G roll-out – and provides area high mast lighting solutions, supporting safer communities and enhanced connectivity.
“Through the supply of high masts, lattice towers and specialist structures, Structa plays a direct role in strengthening South Africa’s power network, ensuring reliable electricity delivery to millions of households and industries,” Rossouw explains.
Partnering with municipal engineers
Working across all 257 municipalities in South Africa, Structa has proven itself to be a trusted partner and a key interface for municipal engineers in devising flexible solutions. These extend across the full spectrum from mega infrastructure developments to community-level projects.
A recent example in the water segment is a 1,7 Mℓ Prestank tank designed and delivered in Bosplaas, North West province. Installed on a 10 m high steel truss stand, the installation was commissioned in May 2025 and provides vital potable water supply for the surrounding rural community.
Value engineered for the long-term
“Upgrading our electrification networks nationally and within our towns and cities is a top priority. However, even more pressing is the need for water security. We’re dedicated to providing solutions in both areas with 100% locally manufactured products that combine cost-effectiveness with long-term durability, making them a strong fit for South Africa’s service delivery needs,” adds Rossouw.
“Leading from the front, Structa will continue to invest in our proudly South African team and the world’s best technologies to provide sustainable one-stop solutions,” Rossouw concludes.
