AUTOFORUM

RMI supports National Register of Artisans

Mar 12, 2025 Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), National Register of Artisans, Louis van Huyssteen,

RMI supports National Register of Artisans

The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), the leading voice in the retail automotive aftermarket has commended The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) for establishing a National Register of Artisans to formalise South Africa’s skilled workforce. The National Artisan Development Support Centre (NADSC) is facilitating this no-cost registration process, ensuring artisans are officially recognised within their trade.

The RMI encourages all skilled tradespeople to register on the portal. Louis van Huyssteen, RMI National Training Director says the RMI supports this initiative, as it is essential to understand exactly where apprentice training efforts should be focused. “A decline in registered qualified artisans between 2014 and 2024 highlights the need for structured intervention,” says van Huyssteen.

The table below shows the decline in key automotive aftermarket trades:

Trade	2014	2024
Automotive Body Repairer	2,084	1,411
Spray Painter	1,304	917
Automotive Electrician	713	527
Automotive Engine Fitter	76	52
Automotive Machinist	603	361
Fitter & Turner	272	205
Automotive Trimmer	21	6
Motor Mechanic	8,392	5,918
Diesel Mechanic	1,642	1,424
Motorcycle & Scooter Mechanic	13	12
Fuel Injection Pump Mechanic	191	125
Tractor & Agricultural Machinery Mechanic	86	64
Vehicle Body Builder	171	110
Tool, Jig & Diemaker	266	205

The National Register of Artisans aims to uphold industry standards and professional credibility and provides a structured system to ensure artisans meet nationally recognised competency levels. “By registering, artisans become part of a formalised network that supports industry regulation and development,” he says.

Interested artisans can either register as a Qualified Artisan (holds a trade test certificate but may not be actively working in the field); a Practicing Artisan (Actively working in their trade, utilising necessary tools and techniques) or a Foreign National Artisan (Qualified outside South Africa, requiring SAQA verification and proper work permits).

By supporting the National Register of Artisans, the RMI reaffirms its commitment to strengthening South Africa’s skilled workforce and ensuring a sustainable future for the automotive aftermarket. Formal recognition of artisans not only enhances career prospects but also raises industry standards and contributes to economic growth. “We urge all artisans to take advantage of this opportunity and secure their place in a structured, professional network,” concludes van Huyssteen.

For full details and application steps, visit NADSC or contact 086 999 0125 / artisanregistration@dhet.gov.za.