Artisan Registration In South Africa

Who is an Artisan?

An artisan is someone who makes an item by hand and is usually an expert in her or his specific trade. Artisan products encompass all types of goods, from clothing to home décor to tools.

An artisan’s craftsmanship may be rooted in history, as their practices can be native to a specific region or culture and passed down from generations before. There is not one specific artisan-made meaning, but most definitions can agree on these elements.

Artisan Registration In South Africa

Here Is Registration Process:

An applicant must complete the required application form and upload the following documentary evidence by the registration category:

All certified copies must not be older than three (3) months.

Qualified Artisan

  1. A certified copy of the ID document;
  2. A certified copy of the trade test certificate;
  3. Proof of Address
  4. For Renewal only also attach proof of previous registration.

Foreign National Artisan

  1. A certified copy of the Passport;
  2. Evidence of a legal visa or permit for entrance to the country issued by the Department of Home Affairs with the exclusion of a medical permit or visa;
  3. A certified copy of a trade test certificate, if the trade test was conducted in South Africa or;
  4. Certified copy of all foreign trade qualifications;
  5. Letter of foreign qualification evaluation issued by SAQA;
  6. Proof of Address

Registration Requirement

Applying for a critical skills work visa in South Africa as an artisan has been a challenge for the longest time. In 2014 when the current amendments to the Immigration Act were gazetted several gaps were identified in the Act which included the absence of a SAQA-accredited professional body to register artisans.

ECSA was not an option due to their minimum NQF criteria of 5 which was a notch above the rating being given by SAQA for artisans.  There was a time when letters issued by the National Artisan Moderation Body, (NAMB), were sufficient and then they were not.

There was a time when registration with the South African Institute of Draughting was good enough and then it wasn’t. The latest dispensation saw applications being rejected because Home Affairs required a South African trade test.  

This of course is absurd for two reasons; the artisan is already trade tested and secondly, a South African trade test requires a minimum experience in South Africa.

How do I become an artisan in South Africa?

Pathways to Becoming an Artisan

  1. Attend a TVET College. TVET is an abbreviation for Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
  2. Apply to be part of a Learnership.
  3. Become an Apprentice
  4. Apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL)

Are artisans in demand in South Africa?

South Africa has a shortage of artisans. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has identified trades that are in demand such as diesel mechanics, instrument technicians, riggers, auto electricians, and millwrights.

How much is an artisan certificate in South Africa?

Training price list

PROGRAMME NAMENQFPRICE
ARTISAN DEVELOPMENT
Welder4R 95 000
Carpenter4R 95 000
Plumber4R 85 000