About Craft South Africa
CraftSouthAfrica was established as an organisation for developing and implementing sustainable craft enterprises and income generation opportunities for South African crafters, in urban and rural areas. This is achieved through product development and business skills training programmes and mentorships.
CraftSouthAfrica director Leonard Shapiro has 17 years experience as a designer and product developer. He has focused his expertise in the South African craft sector for 11 years. He also works as an innovator and director of special design projects involving crafters, often in collaboration with corporate clients, government departments and NGO’s.
Shapiro obtained a Bachelor of Social Science degree (BSocSc) from the University of Cape Town (UCT), majoring in sociology and psychology. He also completed his studies at the Michaelis School of Fine Art (UCT). The combination of these two areas of study has led him to assist historically disadvantaged South Africans with craft enterprise development as the focus. Product development plays a major role in this regard.
References and Curriculum Vitae
View references from Government and Non-Government Organisations relating to Craft Development work. A full CV is also available.
Craft South Africa's Vision
A fully developed and vibrant South African craft sector which is integrated into and participating fully in the mainstream economy, providing income generation opportunities for historically disadvantaged rural and urban South Africans.
Craft South Africa's Mission
To contribute significantly to economic growth in South Africa by increasing business opportunities and stimulating income generation projects in the craft sector through training, skills transfer and the harnessing of existing craft skills and indigenous craft knowledge, thereby facilitating the development of these inherent assets into viable, market-relevant craft products.
To introduce appropriate technology and mechanisation into the craft-making process.
To partner Government programmes in craft projects designed to address the alleviation of poverty.
To support and contribute to the development of craft businesses in rural and urban areas.
