The Maker Movement in Gauteng Province, South Africa

Erika Kraemer-Mbula, University of Johannesburg and Tshwane University of Technology
Chris Armstrong, LINK Research Associate

Open African Innovation Research partnership (Open AIR) Working Paper 6 (June 2017)

Abstract
This Working Paper sets out findings from research into the dynamics of the emerging ¡°maker¡± movement in South Africa¡¯s Gauteng Province. The authors position the maker movement as a potentially strong contributor to, and manifestation of, informal-sector innovation on the African continent. Drawing on data from interviews conducted with participants in eight maker collectives in Gauteng, the authors provide findings in relation to makers¡¯ approaches to outreach, skills development, networking, innovation and collaboration.

Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge the research assistance provided by Master¡¯s students Tulo Makwati (University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Johannesburg), Sigfried Tivana (Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Pretoria), and Lebo Toona (Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Pretoria).

Keywords
maker movement, informal sector, innovation, collaboration, skills development, learning, sharing, openness, Gauteng, South Africa

Recommended citation
Kraemer-Mbula, E., & Armstrong, C. (2017). The maker movement in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Open AIR Working Paper 6. Cairo, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi and Ottawa: Open African Innovation Research (Open AIR) network. https://openair.africa/the-maker-movement-in-gauteng-province-south-africa/