SANAA 2026 FINALISTS ANNOUNCED!
From Eastern Cape to Western Cape, artisans are stepping into the spotlight — innovators, builders, and creators shaping South Africa’s future.
Celebrating excellence across the 13 priority trades, these finalists represent the power of skills, passion, and determination.
National Awards Ceremony: 5 September 2026
Theme: “Changing Artisanal Identity and Status”
South Africa, here are the nominees/finalists for SANAA 2026 from 13 priority trades!
These artisans represent skill, innovation, and excellence — reshaping artisanal identity and status while driving inclusive industrial growth.
From welders to plumbers, electricians to fitters, each finalist embodies the spirit of A Nation That Works. Their journeys prove that artisanal careers are powerful pathways to opportunity, recognition, and national development.
On *05 September 2026* , they will be crowned during the South African National Artisan Awards ceremony, celebrating their journeys and elevating artisan excellence across the nation.
SANAA 2026 NOMINEES
We proudly present 23 of the 34 trailblazing artisans shaping South Africa’s industrial future!From diverse skills to unmatched excellence, these finalists embody the spirit of innovation and resilience.
FROM THE EASTERN CAPE – HOME OF LEGENDS
Meet Eastern Cape’s SANAA 2026 nominee:
*MASIXOLE VUTELA*
ELECTRICIAN | ENTREPRENEUR | MENTOR_“Being an artisan means using your hands, knowledge and experience to solve problems, build communities and develop others.”_
Masixole’s journey began with a passion for electrical systems and a belief in the power of artisans to transform communities. From King Hintsa TVET College to King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, he gained hands‑on experience in installations, maintenance, meters, and streetlights.
In 2019, he qualified as an Electrical Engineering Artisan through Vuselela TVET College. Today, as founder of Vutela Trading Enterprise, Masixole is more than an artisan — he is an entrepreneur, employer, mentor, and skills developer.
His mission is to elevate artisan excellence by creating opportunities for young people to see trades as pathways to entrepreneurship, employment, and inclusive growth.
Impact: Building communities, empowering youth, and driving industrial development.
SANAA 2026 NOMINEE
*Xolisa Solo – Boilermaker*
“ _I build and repair things that matter.”_
Trained at West Coast TVET College, Xolisa discovered his passion through fitting and welding modules.
Today at AR Jones Engineering, he takes pride in every structure he builds, proving that determination can overcome challenges.
SANAA 2026 NOMINEE
*Daniel Ramnarain – Mechanical Fitter*
_“My hands keep water flowing—and operations alive.”_
A graduate of Tshwane South TVET College, Daniel works at Electrical and Pump Centre, ensuring Nelspruit’s water supply runs reliably.
His mission: diagnose problems, mentor apprentices, and protect communities through precision.
SANAA 2026 NOMINEE
*Tshepo Makgamatha – Bricklayer*
_“I build with precision, purpose and pride.”_
From Tshwane South TVET College, Tshepo mastered technical drawings and construction standards.
His journey reflects discipline and mentorship, inspiring young artisans to see bricklaying as a career of dignity and impact.