Changes to artisanal identity and status in SA: implications for policy

This policy brief shares findings from a recently completed Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (Merseta) study that has investigated artisanal skilling and employment in South Africa since 2005, through secondary data analysis, as well as in-depth case studies of selected artisanal trades. The aim is to understand the characteristics that define the country’s artisanal skilling and employment systems and consider the impact of changing artisanal identity and status. Three study findings are highlighted, which have implications for policy.