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The finalists for the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s (the dtic) 8th Furniture Design Competition have been announced.  The annual competition is part of efforts by the dtic to expedite and support the growth of the furniture industry and has been running since 2014. It is hosted in partnership with the dtic, the South African Furniture Initiative (SAFI), Proudly South African and industry stakeholders.
 
This years’ competition is held under the theme: “Home Office Space.”
 
The Chief Director of Agro-processing at the dtic, Ms Ncumisa Mcata-Mhlauli says the Covid-19 pandemic has been a big influence in this year’s theme.  
 
“If there is one thing the Covid-19 pandemic has shown us, it is that human beings are immensely adaptive. While the pandemic is often viewed in a negative light, its positive influence as a disruptor should not be underestimated. In a matter of months, it has rapidly changed decades of traditional ways of working and thinking,” says Mcata-Mhlauli.
 
She adds that the furniture industry is an important sector in the South African economy, as it one of the most labour-intensive industries with a potential to contribute to the reduction of unemployment, increase exports and develop the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME).  
 
“Currently, the industry is relatively small and only contributes 1% to domestic manufacturing sales. However, compared to other manufacturing industries, it has the relatively low capital investment requirement per job. The sector has potential to contribute to the geographic spread of economic activity since products can be produced in rural areas with minimal capital requirements,” says Mcata-Mhlauli.
 
Some of the key objectives of the competition are to contribute towards skills development, attract designers into the industry, and to promote product development and differentiation using design. 
 
There are two categories; Students and Established Manufacturers. The Students category aims to create a pool of designers, to be profiled and be able to place them in the forefront of the local furniture manufacturing and design space.
 
The finalists in the Students category are:
 
Hannelise De Klerk - Potchefstroom Academy (North West)
Monique van Niekerk – Potchefstroom Academy (North West)
Jolene Brink – Potchefstroom Academy (North West)
Sanele Tshonga – University of KwaZulu-Natal 
Sibusiso Mwandla – University of KwaZulu-Natal
 
 In the Manufacturers category, the finalists are: 
 
Sundeep Jivan -  SAJ Architects
Laurika Brummer - Inside Earthworld Interiors
Letlhogonolo Sesana - Sesana-Sesana Studio
Tlhologello Sesana - Sesana-Sesana Studio
Katlego Madumo - MADIIC Design Studios
 
“Through this competition we want to elevate the image of the furniture manufacturing
industry in South Africa, and position the local industry and enhance its competitiveness
locally and abroad through new product development and product differentiation,” said Mcata-Mhlauli.
 
The winners will be announced on 15 March 2022, at the Buy Local Summit, which will be hosted by Proudly South African. 
 

Issued by The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)