SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ARTISAN AWARDS 2026 ANNOUNCES NATIONAL FINALISTS
Outstanding artisans advance to the national stage of South Africa's premier
artisan recognition programme
Johannesburg, 18 August 2026 – The South African National Artisan Awards
(SANAA) 2026 is proud to announce the finalists who have advanced to the national
stage of South Africa's leading artisan recognition programme. The full list of
finalists is included in the attached document.
They will be recognised and celebrated for their excellence at the SANAA 2026
Awards Ceremony, taking place on 5 September 2026. Held under the theme
“Changing Artisanal Identity and Status,” this year’s awards seek to challenge
perceptions of artisans by recognising them as skilled innovators and entrepreneurs
who play a vital role in driving economic growth in South Africa’s future.
Selected from across the country, these artisans have demonstrated exceptional
skill, professionalism and commitment to their trades. Finalists were chosen through
a rigorous adjudication process involving industry experts and sector stakeholders.
The South African National Artisan Awards recognise excellence across key trades,
including engineering, automotive, construction, electrical, plumbing and mechanical
disciplines. The programme also celebrates outstanding TVET college graduates
entering the workforce.
DHET's commitment to skills development
Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela says through Department
of Higher Education and Training (DHET), they have worked with TVET colleges,
SETAs, the National Artisan Moderation Body, and private sector partners to expand
artisan training and accelerate artisan production.
“Changing Artisan Identity and Status is not just a theme — it is a call to action. Itmeans reshaping societal attitudes so that artisans are respected as builders of
nations, innovators, and drivers of industrialisation and local economic
development,” says Manamela.
The DHET, which leads the South African National Artisan Awards, remains
committed to expanding artisan development and strengthening skills training across
South Africa.
Working with industry, employers, TVET colleges, SETAs and other stakeholders,
DHET continues to support the development of qualified artisans and promote
opportunities for workplace learning and career growth.
Through SANAA, the Department recognises excellence, that showcases artisan
success stories and raises awareness of the important role they play in South
Africa's future.
Advancing South Africa through artisan excellence
Artisans play a vital role in economic growth, industrial development and
infrastructure delivery. Their skills help keep industries operating, build essential
infrastructure and support job creation across the country.
The SANAA programme celebrates the country’s artisans and promotes technical
and vocational careers. It aims to change perceptions about artisan careers by
highlighting them as respected, rewarding and professional career paths.
The awards also inspire more young people to pursue artisan training and contribute
to strengthening the country's skilled workforce.
Media Enquiries
Bomikazi Mdiya
Contact number: 065 125 0336
Tshepang Mokoena
Email: pr@tishalacommunications.com
Contact number: 076 682 9608
About SANAA
The South African National Artisan Awards (SANAA) is a premier national
programme that celebrates exceptional trade professionals, technical innovation and
skills development across sectors including engineering, automotive, construction,
electrical, plumbing and mechanical trades. The programme recognises artisans and
TVET graduates who demonstrate outstanding achievement and contribute to
advancing South Africa's skills development agenda.
Comments