What is the goal of Artisans of Mzansi?
The goal of Artisans of Mzansi is to recognise artisan talent and to celebrate those who are using their artisanal skills and entrepreneurial spirit as a weapon against unemployment, poverty, and inequality in South Africa.
The competition aims to act as a showcase of the best South African artisan talent.
Through Artisans of Mzansi, we want to spotlight artisans so that they can serve as relatable role models in their communities and contribute towards changing the negative perceptions around the trades.
The Four Competition Categories
Revenue
Micro
business
0 – 1 million
Small
Business
1 million – 5 million
Medium
Business
5 million+
Innovation
Award*
N/A
*The Innovation Award is open to anyone, regardless of revenue size. Through the Innovation Award, we want to find those artisanal entrepreneurs who are thinking ahead and working on specific innovations that will change or are already changing the future of artisanal trades.
The Competition in Four Stages
May - June
complete an online application
Entries into the competition take place via an online application form. Once the application phase ends, no new entries will be considered. Applications close 30 June 2025.
August
Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted telephonically and interviews will be held in August to discover more about the business owners and their businesses.
September
Pitch Readiness for the Top 8 (2 per category)
The Top 8 candidates from the telephonic interview stage will be determined and undergo pitch-readiness training online to refine their business pitch in September.
September
Final Pitch
The finalists will pitch their business to a panel of judges who will determine the winners of the Artisans of Mzansi competition at a Gala Dinner event in September.
Artisan Stories
Watch past winners share how they built their business and what the Trades have made possible.
Are you ready to enter?
Here’s what you need
- You must be a qualified artisan (trade tested)
- South African citizenship or Permanent Residency
- Not older than 50 years at the end of 2025
-
Owner or 50% partner in a trade business
ie. Plumbing, Construction, Carpentry, Electrical, Installation, Renovations, General Repairs, or related fields - Your business must be formalised and ethically run
What you stand to win
*Each winner also receives a year of mentorship and coaching, plus marketing material for their business (photos and a video) worth R50,000 on top of the category prize
Micro
Business
Small
Business
Medium
Business
Innovation
Award