West Coast College is celebrating another significant achievement after three of its students were nominated for the 2nd South African National Artisan Awards (SANAA) 2026, marking the second consecutive year that three College students have received this prestigious national recognition.
– Romario Arendse – Welding
– Xolisa Solo – Boilermaking
– Emoshene Moore – Pipe Fitting
The South African National Artisan Awards recognise excellence and achievement within South Africa’s artisan development and training landscape. The awards highlight the skills, dedication and contribution of artisans to the country’s economy, while helping to promote artisan careers as valuable and respected career pathways.
The 2026 awards are being held under the theme “Changing Artisanal Identity and Status”, which seeks to challenge traditional perceptions of artisans and highlight their important role as skilled professionals, innovators and contributors to South Africa’s future.
The SANAA 2026 awards ceremony will take place on 5 September 2026 in Gauteng, where the winners in the various categories will be announced.
“West Coast College is proud of the fact that for a second year, three of our students have been nominated for a coveted South African National Artisan Award. This not only speaks to the quality of education and training that the College provides but also speaks to the calibre of students that walk out of our doors into the world of work,” says Lungisa Mbulawa, Principal of West Coast College.
Among the three West Coast College nominees is Emoshene Moore, a Pipe Fitting nominee and the only female nominee representing the College this year.
For Moore, being recognised at SANAA 2026 is a significant milestone in her journey as an artisan.
“I am deeply honoured because not only does it show my skills and dedication, but also the journey that has shaped me into the woman I am today,” says Moore.
Her nomination also highlights the growing presence of women in traditionally male-dominated artisan trades and the opportunities available to young women pursuing careers in the skilled trades.
The three nominations are a testament to the talent, dedication and practical skills being developed at West Coast College, while highlighting the opportunities available to students who choose careers in the artisan trades.
West Coast College congratulates Romario, Xolisa and Emoshene on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to the announcement of the winners on 5 September 2026.
We wish all three students the very best and will be proudly following their SANAA journey as they await the results.
