The enterprise of craft: constraints and policy challenges in South Africa

Abstract

In South Africa a growing policy focus is support for the development of craft enterprises. Policy interest in the craft sector derives from its close linkages with tourism. The aim of this article is to provide a critical analysis of the major constraints that confront the craft sector in South Africa. It is argued that policy interventions must deal with the problems of both those groups of craft enterprises which are oriented to external markets as well as those which are more narrowly focused on local markets.