South Africa is putting its artisans in the spotlight, as finalists for the 2026 South African National Artisan Awards prepare to compete for national recognition across fields including engineering, construction, electrical, plumbing and mechanical trades. With the theme “Changing Artisanal Identity and Status,” the awards also raise a bigger question: can changing perceptions of artisan careers help attract more young people into technical skills and strengthen South Africa’s workforce and economy?

GUEST: Sabelo Buthelezi – Chief Director of Special Project Unit at the Department of Higher Education and Training

<p>South Africa is putting its artisans in the spotlight, as finalists for the 2026 South African National Artisan Awards prepare to compete for national recognition across fields including engineering, construction, electrical, plumbing and mechanical trades. With the theme &ldquo;Changing Artisanal Identity and Status,&rdquo; the awards also raise a bigger question: can changing perceptions of artisan careers help attract more young people into technical skills and strengthen South Africa&rsquo;s workforce and economy?</p>
<p>GUEST:&nbsp;Sabelo Buthelezi &ndash; Chief Director of Special Project Unit at the Department of Higher Education and Training</p>

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