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Artisans of Mzansi 2025: Entries open to empower South African trade businesses
Allan Gray Makers has officially opened entries for Artisans of Mzansi 2025, a national campaign designed to recognise and empower South Africa's most outstanding artisan entrepreneurs.
The initiative seeks to challenge negative perceptions around technical trades, inspire young people to pursue artisanal careers and accelerate the growth of small and medium businesses in the sector.
Despite the National Development Plan's target of producing 30 000 qualified artisans annually by 2030, South Africa produces only 15 000.
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A key barrier is the stigma around Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and trade careers, discouraging young people from entering this critical industry.
Artisans of Mzansi aims to change this narrative by profiling successful artisan entrepreneurs as role models, demonstrating the viability and dignity of careers in plumbing, electrical work, construction, carpentry, and related trades.
'South Africa's artisan economy is a powerhouse of untapped potential. Through Artisans of Mzansi, we celebrate skilled tradespeople and rewrite the story of what it means to be an artisan.
'These entrepreneurs are job creators, innovators, and nation-builders. By showcasing their success, we hope to inspire a new generation to see the trades as a first-choice career path,' said Seth Mulli, programme director of Allan Gray Makers.
Artisans of Mzansi will identify and reward exceptional artisans and trade businesses through a competitive process. Winners will receive cash prizes and a year of business advisory support to scale their enterprises.
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To enter, artisans must:
• Be a qualified artisan (with a trade test).
• Be the owner or 50% partner in a formalised trade business (plumbing, electrical, or construction).
• Be a South African citizen or permanent resident, aged 50 or younger in 2025.
• Ensure their business operates ethically and complies with industry standards.
Micro businesses earning between R0 and R1m in revenue can win R50 000 while small businesses earning between R1m and R5m stand a chance of winning R100 000.
Medium-sized businesses earning over R5m can win R50 000.
Interested artisans can submit their applications online by June 30. Shortlisted candidates will undergo interviews and pitch presentations before the organisers announce the winners.
For more information and to apply, visit
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