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When survival replaces craftsmanship

The fading value of craftsmanship

By Ngerezah Netshifhefhe • 9 July 2026
When survival replaces craftsmanship

The creative industry faces a crisis as skilled professionals depart due to unstable livelihoods, prioritising survival over craftsmanship. This shift threatens professional standards and the cultural value of creative work.

The creative industry is becoming an increasingly risky career choice, not because creativity has lost its value, but because the industry is struggling to sustain the people who have dedicated their lives to mastering their craft.

Musicians, writers, producers, actors, broadcasters and other creative professionals are leaving because they cannot build stable livelihoods from their work.

As experienced practitioners exit, survival increasingly takes precedence over craftsmanship. More people enter the industry simply to earn an income, leaving less room for mentorship, excellence and professional standards. That shift should concern everyone.

Parents are beginning to question whether the creative sector can offer their children a secure future. It is no longer only about talent; it is about whether talent can be rewarded fairly and consistently.

Music reflects this changing reality. Too often, it thrives only in taverns, at parties and through short-lived trends. While entertainment remains important, music has long brought communities together, preserved culture and created lasting memories. Those qualities are gradually fading.

The creative industry does not need fewer artists. It needs stronger support for those who are committed to the craft. Without fair compensation and meaningful investment, the industry risks becoming increasingly busy and visible while losing the professionalism and cultural value that once defined it.

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