SA launches national trade register to boost artisan recognition
The Retail Motor Industry highlights the critical decline in registered artisans, urging action.
The Retail Motor Industry (RMI), a leading voice in the Sas-comparable retail automotive aftermarket, has welcomed the South African Department of Higher Education and Training’s initiative to establish a National Register of Artisans (NRA).
This register aims to formalise South Africa’s skilled workforce. The National Artisan Development Support Centre facilitates this free registration process, ensuring that artisans receive official recognition in their respective trades.
The RMI strongly encourages all skilled tradespeople to register on the portal. Louis van Huyssteen, the RMI’s training director, emphasises its support for this initiative, highlighting its crucial role in accurately identifying where apprenticeship training efforts should be concentrated.
“The alarming decline in registered qualified artisans between 2014 and 2024 underscores the urgent need for structured intervention,” says Van Huyssteen.
The NRA is designed to maintain industry standards and professional credibility, providing a structured framework to ensure artisans meet nationally recognised competency levels. “By registering, artisans become part of a formalised network that supports industry regulation and development,” he explains.
Artisans can register under three categories: Qualified Artisan (holding a trade test certificate, but potentially not actively working in the field), Practising Artisan (actively working in their trade, utilising necessary tools and techniques), or Foreign National Artisan (qualified outside South Africa, requiring SAQA verification and appropriate work permits).
The RMI’s support for the NRA reinforces its commitment to strengthening South Africa’s skilled workforce and securing a sustainable future for the automotive aftermarket. Formal recognition of artisans enhances career prospects, elevates industry standards, and contributes to economic growth. “We strongly encourage all artisans to seize this opportunity and secure their place within a structured, professional network,” concludes Van Huyssteen.
Source: Cathy Findley PR
