Industry, government and skills development partners meet at RMI National Office to prepare for the 2026 South African National Artisan Awards.
The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) recently hosted the Second Annual South African National Artisan Awards (SANAA) Selection Committee Inception Meeting at its National Office in Vorna Valley, Midrand.
Convened by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the meeting marked an important milestone in preparations for SANAA 2026, which celebrates excellence across South Africa’s priority artisan trades. The Selection Committee brings together representatives from government, industry, organised business and the skills development sector to ensure the awards process remains transparent, objective and credible.
Preparations centred on the upcoming national call for nominations, with committee members reviewing the nomination criteria, assessment process and electronic nomination platform ahead of the official launch. The objective is to provide a seamless nomination process while ensuring every nominee is assessed fairly and consistently.
The meeting also included the recording of interviews for SANAA’s national awareness campaign. These will highlight the vital role artisans play in driving South Africa’s economic growth, the value of vocational education and training, and the importance of recognising skilled professionals who are shaping the country’s future.
For the RMI, participation in SANAA aligns closely with its ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of automotive artisans.
The automotive retail aftermarket remains one of South Africa’s largest artisan employers, supporting approximately 23,000 businesses and employing around 300,000 people across dealerships, independent workshops, component specialists, body repairers, tyre retailers, fuel retailers and related sectors. Thousands of qualified artisans keep the country’s vehicle fleet operating safely and efficiently every day.
The sector also plays a critical role in developing two of the thirteen priority artisan trades identified by DHET through its Centres of Specialisation programme – Motor Mechanic and Diesel Mechanic. These skills will become increasingly important as the industry embraces new vehicle technologies, including electric and alternative energy vehicles.
Louis van Huyssteen, RMI National Training Director says recognising artisan excellence is about far more than celebrating individual achievement.
“At the RMI, we believe artisans are the foundation of a safe, professional and sustainable automotive industry. Programmes such as SANAA shine a well-deserved spotlight on the individuals whose skills keep South Africa moving, while inspiring more young people to consider artisan careers. Recognition also reinforces the value of quality training, continuous development and industry excellence, all of which are essential if we are to build the skilled workforce our economy needs.”
Van Huyssteen says the RMI is proud to support initiatives that raise the profile of artisans and strengthen South Africa’s skills pipeline.
“The automotive aftermarket has always been a significant contributor to artisan development, and we remain committed to working alongside government, training providers and industry partners to create meaningful career opportunities for future artisans. Investing in artisan development is ultimately an investment in South Africa’s economic growth and competitiveness.”
Nominations for SANAA 2026 will open nationally shortly, with artisans, employers and training partners encouraged to participate by recognising individuals who demonstrate exceptional technical skill, professionalism and commitment to their trade.
The South African National Artisan Awards will culminate in the SANAA Awards Ceremony on 5 September 2026, where outstanding artisans from across the country will be honoured for their contribution to industry excellence and national skills development.