The South African Craft Sector

By Erica Elk (Cape Craft and Design Institute)

A widely quoted statistic tells us that the South African craft industry generates over R3.5 billion in revenue each year and employs over 1.2 million people. By contrast the United States generated over $10 billion in the craft sector in 1995. This accounts for almost a third of the roughly $35 billion generated globally within the sector. This statistic is now seven years old and the truth is, no-one really knows for sure how accurate it is as there is no formal process to gather statistical data. This is perhaps the best indicator of the informal nature of the craft sector in South Africa and the road still to be travelled.

What we do know for sure is that the sector provides a key access point into the economy for thousands of marginalised people - the majority of whom are women. It has also been identified as a priority growth sector by national government and has been a beneficiary of millions of poverty alleviation fund Rands. The quality and range of products has improved markedly over the last 5 years, and happily, there is also a growing demand for craft in the local tourist market, increasingly in the local retail market and definitely in international markets.

This paper attempts to provide an overview of the sector, where we have come from and where we need to go.

Introduction: Why target the craft sector?

Overview of the craft sector

Review of existing support

A look at Community Arts Centres