South African Furniture Initiative

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South African Furniture Initiative

Founded in 2016, the South African Furniture Initiative (SAFI) unites industry, labour, and government to support the local furniture sector.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/42IOoHP.

14/10/2026

On 1 October 2026, 120 unemployed learners across South Africa began a different kind of learning journey, one that starts not in a classroom, but on a workshop floor.

They walked through the doors of 19 furniture manufacturers who've committed to opening their workplaces and guiding them through the real work of the industry over the next 12 months.

This Work Integrated Learning Project grew from a Discretionary Grant SAFI secured from FP&M SETA. From a database of 251 people looking for a way into the sector, 120 learners have now been placed with host employers across the country.

To those 19 host employers: thank you. You're not just giving someone a place to work, you're building people and strengthening the industry's skills pipeline.

Every skill demonstrated. Every task explained. Every lesson learned on the job. It all adds up to a more capable, more employable workforce.

The 12-month journey has begun and we can't wait to see what these learners build.

12/10/2026

Four Corners Lounge makes couches, daybeds, corner suites and headboards in Parow Industria, Cape Town, and supplies retailers throughout Southern Africa.

From the start, the focus has been on using the best raw materials available: solid wood frames, high-density foam, full leather and carefully chosen fabrics. Skilled local craftspeople bring every piece together.

We are proud to have Four Corners Lounge on board as a SAFI member.

09/10/2026

Looking for your next role in furniture manufacturing?

Our Employment Portal connects job seekers and employers on one platform. Browse opportunities, upload your CV, and get hired.

Upload your CV ➡️ https://buff.ly/maeMAtI

07/10/2026

SAFI recently led a delegation of 22 South African furniture manufacturers to WMF in Shanghai, where members took part in the Hosted Buyer Programme in partnership with AdSale.

The focus was firmly on manufacturing - exploring the latest woodworking machinery, technology and production solutions, meeting international suppliers and taking part in pre-arranged business-to-business meetings.

For many of our members, it was an opportunity to see first-hand what is happening in one of the world’s most advanced manufacturing markets and identify machinery and technology that could potentially make a real difference back home.

There was also some time to explore other major trade shows in Shanghai, meet new people, share ideas and, of course, have a little fun along the way.

There is a lot to learn from China, and we’re really pleased with the feedback from our members so far. Many have already expressed interest in joining us again next year.

05/10/2026

Since 1992, Hope Garden Furniture has been making outdoor furniture in Cape Town. Adrian Hope started the business on his own, and slowly people started noticing.

The heart of the business is the Traditional Range, based on original European wrought-iron garden furniture from the turn of the 20th century. Every piece is hand-assembled in the blacksmith tradition.

We are proud to have Hope Garden Furniture on board as a SAFI member.

02/10/2026

On 11 November, the Cape Town Manufacturing Summit brings manufacturers, investors and policymakers together for one day of trends, incentives and partnerships shaping the future of manufacturing in the Western Cape and beyond.

SAFI is proud to be an endorsing partner.

Learn more and register ➡️ https://buff.ly/wOV2G8d

30/09/2026

Reaching global markets starts with knowing exactly where to look. The SAFI Export Market Finder gives you the tools and insights to target international markets with real potential for South African furniture.

Developed through our export development project, led by Dr Martin Cameron of Trade Advisory, it cuts through the guesswork with a focused analysis of where the genuine opportunities lie for local exporters.

Explore the Export Market Finder ➡️ https://furnituresa.org.za/export-market/

28/09/2026

James Mudge has spent close to two decades proving that furniture built the traditional way still belongs at the cutting edge of South African design.

Since 2006, his Cape Town studio has handcrafted solid-wood furniture that pairs contemporary lines with time-honoured cabinet-making, made to order for clients around the world.

Every piece is built by a small team of skilled artisans using traditional joinery and designed to last generations.

Tradition and technology sit side by side on the workshop floor: 3D software and CNC machinery shape the process, but every piece is still finished by hand, now from the studio's factory and showroom in Paarden Eiland.

Learn more about James Mudge ➡️ https://buff.ly/zCb5svx

25/09/2026

Retailers, specifiers and procurement buyers are already searching for local manufacturers to work with.
Our Business Directory makes sure they find you.

Get listed and put your business in front of the people who place the orders.

Real visibility and credibility included with your SAFI membership.

Explore the directory ➡️ https://furnituresa.org.za/business-directory/

24/09/2026

Trained but not yet working. That's the gap SAFI's new Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Project is here to close.

The programme is now underway, giving young people who've completed furniture-related training 12 months of real workplace experience inside participating manufacturers, guided by industry mentors and funded through an FP&M SETA Discretionary Grant.

For learners, it's the bridge from training to a career. For host employers, it's motivated talent at no salary or stipend cost, and a chance to help shape the next generation of skilled furniture professionals.

SAFI is matching learners with employers now. Together, we're building the future of South Africa's furniture industry, one learner, one workplace, one career at a time.

Want to host a learner? Reach out to SAFI to find out more.

Address

1st Floor, Unit 4
Randburg
2193

Website

https://www.southafricanfurnitureinitiative.co.za/

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