Official Event Hub
SANAA 2026 Artisan Awards
A night honouring the hands that build the nation. Relive the gala, meet the winners and discover the pathways into skilled trades.
Explore the event
Everything from gala night, in one place.
Event Gallery
Photos and video highlights from gala night.
Gala Programme
The official run of show, minute by minute.
Winner Profiles
Stories, achievements and trade specialisations.
Highlights & Speeches
Keynote, acceptance speeches and reels.
Digital Event Booklet
Read or download the full booklet.
Meet the Artisans
Biographies and contact details.
Careers & TVET
Artisan pathways and training routes.
Visitor Feedback
Tell us about your experience.
Gala Programme
SANAA 2026 run of show
5 September 2026 · Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre Johannesburg, O.R. Tambo Airport · Black tie. Programme Directors: Abuti Lolo and Mr Sibusiso Dhladhla.
16h00 – 16h30
Briefing session
Programme Directors: Abuti Lolo and Mr Sibusiso Dhladhla, Acting CEO, Services SETA.
16h00 – 17h55
Artisan Excellence Showcase
Innovation displays, entrepreneurship exhibits, media interviews, networking, refreshments and registration.
16h00 – 17h00
Arrival of the Honourable Minister
Artisan Excellence Showcase walkabout · Protocol.
16h45 – 16h55
Guests take their seats
Programme Director, with finalist profiles projected.
17h05 – 17h10
National Anthem
Live band.
17h10 – 17h15
Welcome and opening
Programme Director.
17h15 – 17h20
Remarks from the Strategic Partner
AGGPSA Board Chairperson / CEO.
17h20 – 17h28
Introduction of the Minister
DDG: TVET.
17h30 – 17h40
Keynote address
Honourable Minister.
17h40 – 17h45
Ceremonial signing of the SANAA 2026 Book of Legacy
Honourable Minister and AGGPSA Board Chairperson.
17h45
Starter & entertainment
Live music during the starter course.
18h00 – 18h45
Trade awards — 3rd, 2nd and 1st place
Automotive Motor Mechanic · Boilermaker · Bricklayer · Carpenter and Joiner · Diesel Mechanic · Electrician · Fitter and Turner · Mechanical Fitter · Millwright · Pipe Fitter · Plumber · Rigger · Welder. Presented by Dr Balkrishen and Mr Senye.
19h00
Main course & music
Dinner service with live entertainment.
19h15 – 19h30
Inter-College Competition
All eight winners announced · ABSA representative.
19h45
Dessert & music
Dessert service with live entertainment.
20h00 – 20h30
Artisans of Mzansi
All four categories · AGM representative.
20h45 – 20h50
Vote of thanks
Programme Director.
21h00
Group photos, interviews and departure
Closing photographs with winners, media interviews and guest departure.
News & media coverage
Mining Business Africa · 31 August 2026
SANAA 2026 in the spotlight!Mining Business Africa has announced the national finalists for the South African National Artisan Awards 2026 — celebrating artisans whose skills and innovation are reshaping industries and communities. From mining to manufacturing, welding to plumbing, these artisans embody the SANAA vision of Changing Artisan Identity and Status. Their recognition proves that artisanal excellence is the backbone of South Africa's inclusive industrial growth.
SAfm 104–107 · 31 August 2026
Chief Director Sabelo Buthelezi talks SANAA 2026 live on SAfm at 17:45
SANAA Post-Interview Recording · 31 August 2026
In conversation: Sabelo Buthelezi & Mamello BobokoRelive the powerful conversation with Mr. Sabelo Buthelezi, Chief Director at DHET, and Mamello Boboko, SANAA Finalist and Bricklayer from Vuselela TVET College. From policy vision to artisan passion, this interview captures the heartbeat of SANAA 2026 — Changing Artisan Identity and Status.
Limpopo Chronicle · 26 August 2026
Eight Limpopo artisans nominated for 2026 SA National Artisan AwardsTygerBurger · 25 August 2026
Finalists announced for the South African National Artisan AwardsECD News · 27 August 2026
SA's top artisans forge path to the national cutECD News confirms that our artisans have advanced to the SANAA 2026 National Finals. Their skills and innovation are reshaping artisanal identity and status, proving that artisans are nation builders and innovators.
Retail Motor Industry Organisation · 3 August 2026
RMI supports South Africa's premier artisan awards programme