GQEBERHA- A young Gqeberha entrepreneur who turned a plumbing business into an award-winning enterprise is encouraging fellow artisans across South Africa to put their skills to the test by entering the 2026 Artisans of Mzansi competition.
Applications for the national competition, powered by Allan Gray Makers are open until 30 June, with artisan business owners standing a chance to win prize money of up to R200,000.
Among those backing the initiative is 28-year-old plumber Liyabona Xishibana from Gqeberha, who won the micro-business category in 2025 and says the recognition helped elevate her business profile.
“The award helped us showcase our skill and learn from others in the industry, thus enabling improvement and a striving for excellence,” Xishibana said.
The competition is aimed at qualified artisans aged 50 years and younger who own or co-own businesses operating in trades such as plumbing, electrical work, construction, carpentry and related sectors.
Applicants must hold a recognised trade test qualification and operate ethically within industry standards.
According to Allan Gray Makers programme director Seth Mulli, the initiative seeks to shine a spotlight on technical trades at a time when South Africa faces a significant shortage of artisans.
“The technical trades in South Africa are often overlooked,” Mulli said.
“South Africa requires about 30,000 new artisans annually, yet only around half that number enter the sector each year. Artisans of Mzansi aims to identify and celebrate successful artisan entrepreneurs who can inspire young people to consider careers in the trades.”
Four prize categories are available: Micro to Very Small Business (annual revenue up to R1 million) – R50,000 Small Business(R1 million to R5 million revenue) – R100,000 Medium Business (more than R5 million revenue) – R200,000 Innovation Award(no revenue requirement) – R100,000.
Following the application process, shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, with eight finalists selected to undergo pitch-readiness training before presenting their businesses to a panel of judges. Winners will be announced at a gala event later this year.
Allan Gray Makers, a programme of Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies, supports artisan entrepreneurs through funding, mentorship and business development opportunities aimed at creating sustainable enterprises and jobs.
The organisation says it is committed to changing perceptions around technical careers while promoting entrepreneurship in the sector.
Applications close on 30 June 2026 and can be submitted online through the Allan Gray Makers website.
Photograph: Supplied
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