Startup Picnic to Launch Provincial Skills Awards in 2026 to Spotlight Diverse Economic Skills, Innovation, and Everyday Excellence
Johannesburg, South Africa — Startup Picnic Academy is set to launch the Startup Picnic Provincial Skills Awards in 2026—a groundbreaking national initiative celebrating individuals and organisations across South Africa who are using practical, hands-on skills to drive economic progress, uplift communities, and spark grassroots innovation.
Whether it’s a sneaker washer in Soweto, a car detailer in Limpopo, a coder in Khayelitsha, a farmer in Mpumalanga, or a hair braider in Gqeberha—the Provincial Skills Awards will shine a light on the everyday talent transforming lives on the ground.
The awards will spotlight South Africans whose skills and ingenuity are meaningfully contributing to the country’s economic fabric.
A People-Driven Awards Model
This is not a top-down initiative. The Provincial Skills Awards are built from the ground up, ensuring that recognition reflects real, lived experiences across all provinces.
The public will be invited to nominate individuals or organisations practicing any practical skill or trade in their communities. Startup Picnic’s data team will research each nominee’s story and contributions before submitting the shortlist to a panel of judges.
While suggested categories will be provided, nominations are open-ended—the public is encouraged to put forward anyone whose work they find impactful, inspiring, or innovative. This inclusive model ensures the awards reflect South Africa’s diverse and evolving economic realities, while inspiring others to pursue and value practical trades.
Final awardees will be selected by a judging panel—informed by the public’s voice and guided by merit, impact, and authenticity.
To nominate someone, the public will be asked to share the nominee’s name, the skill or trade they practice, and a brief explanation of their community impact. Nominees of all ages and backgrounds will be welcome—be they school learners, the unemployed, informal entrepreneurs, or skilled workers in rural or urban areas.
More Than Awards: A Pipeline for Growth
The Provincial Skills Awards are an extension of Startup Picnic Academy’s Enterprise Supplier Development (ESD) strategy. Since inception, the Academy has focused on empowering South Africans through income-generating, short-format training in entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial trades.
By identifying and celebrating hidden talent, these awards will serve as a pipeline for enterprise development, mentorship, and market access—supporting both corporate ESD goals and broader national economic inclusion objectives.
A Vision Rooted in Action
Founded by entrepreneur and author Tiisetso Maloma, Startup Picnic began in 2014 as a series of grassroots networking events. It has since grown into a national movement blending entrepreneurship, education, and practical skills development.
“Skilled brilliance is everywhere—in salons, farms, workshops, soccer fields, and streets. These awards are a stage for those who build with their hands, their minds, and their hearts,” says Maloma.
Let’s Celebrate the Skills That Build the Nation
From beauty to agriculture, entertainment to AI, this is a call to recognise South Africa’s unsung heroes—those whose talent and tenacity fuel both the informal and formal economy.
Nominations open in soon. Be ready to share someone’s story.
Visit www.startuppicnicacademy.co.za for updates.
For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, contact the team.