Thembisa electrician and Ekurhuleni West TVET College (EWC) graduate Khomotso Moswete has been recognised as the top electrician at the South African National Artisan Awards (SANAA) 2026.

The awards were held recently at the Radisson Blu Hotel OR Tambo under the theme “Changing Artisanal Identity and Status”, celebrating artisans as skilled professionals, innovators and entrepreneurs who contribute to South Africa’s economic development.

The 34 finalists were selected from across the country following an adjudication process involving industry experts and sector stakeholders.

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SANAA recognises excellence across key trades, including engineering, automotive, construction, electrical, plumbing and mechanical disciplines. The programme also celebrates outstanding TVET college graduates entering the workforce.

Among this year’s winners, Moswete stood out in the electrical category after eight years in the industry, three years of training and apprenticeship followed by five years as a qualified electrician.

“I am still overwhelmed. It feels surreal. To be recognised on a national stage like the SANAA Awards for work I do every day with my hands validates everything,” she said.

Moswete said she knew she had a chance of receiving an award because only the top three finalists were invited, but the competition remained tough with four finalists in her trade.

“My heart stopped for a second. I thought I misheard when they announced that I got first position. I was so happy that I had made it, and not only for myself but for other artisans who are following in my footsteps, especially young women who are looking up to me,” she said.

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The award has both personal and professional significance for Moswete.

“Personally, it means my late nights, my burns and my call-outs meant something. Professionally, it moves me from being just Khomotso the electrician to Khomotso the award-winning electrician. It gives me credibility, especially as a woman in this industry,” she said.

“For years, artisans work behind the scenes. SANAA put us on stage. To have our skills and hard work recognised, it restores dignity to artisan work.”

Moswete said her interest in electrical work was inspired by her grandfather, who could work across several trades.

“I grew up opening things around the house, trying to fix and reconnect. I loved how things worked after the repairs. I got so much satisfaction from it. So I was always curious about how power moves, and I wanted a career where I use both my mind and my hands,” she said.

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Her journey has not been without obstacles.

Moswete said she was often the only woman on a work site and had to overcome assumptions about her abilities.

“On my first site, they didn’t believe I was capable and thought I couldn’t wire. I had to work twice as hard to prove that I could make it,” she said.

She said being underestimated because she is a woman, safety risks, physical demands and comments from clients have been among the challenges she has faced.

“Clients sometimes ask, ‘Where is the real electrician?’ when I arrive. You have to prove yourself over and over,” she said.

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Moswete credits several EWC lecturers and support staff with helping her persevere, including Mrs Sibuya, Mr Tala, Mr Mohale and Mrs Bambo from student support.

“These people kept me going. They taught me to be a strong woman, especially Mrs Sibuya, as she’s a very strong woman with a strong character in this field,” she said.

Moswete learned of her SANAA nomination through an email and follow-up calls from the coordinators. She believes her focus on technical excellence and client satisfaction helped distinguish her from other finalists.

“I not only do installations, I also do mentorship and assist apprentices in understanding basic electrical safety. I lead projects from execution to completion. I make sure to exceed clients’ expectations,” she said.
The award has also given her greater confidence in pursuing larger opportunities.

“It tells you you belong. It opens doors to bigger contracts, and it gives you confidence to charge your worth and to apply for bigger projects,” she said.

Moswete plans to use her prize money towards her studies.

“I want to become a master electrician, so I’ll use some of the money to pay for the training. I’m also studying BCom in Business Management, where I have outstanding fees to pay. I would love to get into PLC training; automation is the future,” she said.

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She hopes her success will encourage more women to consider careers in the trades.

“I have to be twice as neat, twice as safe, twice as knowledgeable to be taken half as seriously. But now, with this award, I hope I don’t have to prove as much. My work speaks,” she said.

Her message to young women considering the trades is direct.

“Please come. We need you. Don’t listen to anyone who says it’s a man’s job. Electricity doesn’t know gender. It respects skill. Never be intimidated by a boardroom full of men,” she said.

Moswete believes perceptions around vocational careers also need to change.

“We still tell children university is the only success. But artisans build the country. We need to celebrate artisan careers in schools as much as degrees. Choose artisan careers as your first choice, not as the last option after getting rejected at universities,” she said.

Her ambitions now focus on growth. She wants to become a master electrician, specialise in programmable logic controllers (PLC), establish her own compliant electrical company and employ and train young women in basic electrical skills.

She also wants to leave a legacy of safety, reliability and kindness.

“I want to be remembered as someone safe, reliable and kind. That she left every house safer than she found it. And that she opened the door for other women,” she said.

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At the awards, Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela highlighted the importance of structured workplace training and developing a skilled workforce.

Speaking to the gathering following the recent TVET Month celebrations, Manamela said the awards provided an opportunity to recognise achievement while reinforcing the importance of a stronger and more inclusive TVET sector.

“We celebrate not only achievement but also the vision of a stronger, more inclusive Technical and Vocational Education and Training sector,” said Manamela.

He said students should not be disadvantaged by fragmented planning and called for stronger links between colleges, employers and the workplace.

“Employers cannot remain on the sidelines. They must absorb capable graduates and become active partners in shaping the workforce of tomorrow. Equally, colleges must stand at the forefront, opening their doors as workplaces, not waiting for others to act,” he said.

Manamela congratulated the SANAA finalists and called on artisans to use their skills as a foundation for national growth and transformation.

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In a symbolic gesture, Manamela and the CEO of Allan Gray signed a Book of Legacy, described as a testament to the enduring value of vocational excellence.

For Moswete, her achievement is also an opportunity to acknowledge those who supported her journey.
“I want to thank God, my family, my employer for never doubting me, my college lecturers from Ekurhuleni West TVET College and SANAA for seeing artisans. And every woman electrician who came before me and made it possible for me to survive in this field,” she said.