The South African Boilermakers', Iron and Steel Workers', Shipbuilders' and Welders' Society (SABS) was a trade union representing metalworkers and shipbuilders in South Africa.
Many of its founding members were recent emigrants from England and had held membership of the United Society of Boilermakers, including founding president George Brown, and Ben Caddy, who was general secretary from 1920 to 1950.
It then joined the Trade Union Council of South Africa (TUCSA), and although it disaffiliated in 1977, it rejoined in 1980.
[1][3] In 1983, the union again resigned from TUCSA, in protest at the way it favoured the struggles of white workers.
[4] In 1990, it absorbed the South African Engine Drivers', Firemen's and Operators' Association.