Voice of the Furniture Industry

As an implementing agent of the Furniture Industry Master Plan (FIMP), we’re working to revitalize the industry and generate growth and employment through six strategic pillars. Our vision is to create a vibrant sector that supports dignified jobs, sparks innovation, and contributes meaningfully to the South African economy. We aim to improve the lives of our people, while offering high-quality products that enrich the lives of consumers across Africa and beyond.

Furniture Industry Master Plan

The Furniture Industry Master Plan is a national roadmap developed by the dtic, in collaboration with SAFI and other industry stakeholders, to strengthen and grow South Africa’s furniture sector.

What is the goal

What are the challenges?

What is being done?

ACCESS THE FIMP (PDF)

The Plan focuses on two main objectives:

- Protect the local industry and retain existing businesses
- Grow the industry by boosting productivity, competitiveness, exports, and job creation

The Plan responds to key issues such as:

High production costs
Skills shortages
Lack of investment in equipment and innovation
Cheap imports and illegal trade
Market access barriers
Loadshedding and raw material constraints
Low levels of transformation

The Master Plan outlines six key focus areas:

Local Manufacturing & Market Development
Competitiveness & Industry Growth
Export Promotion
Raw Material Supply
Skills Development
Transformation

Each Pillar includes targeted actions and partnerships to improve capacity, unlock opportunities, and support local businesses.

Governance and Structure

SAFI is a non-profit company funded mainly by the furniture industry bargaining councils. The members of SAFI are the various employer associations and the trade unions affiliated to the furniture industry. SAFI’s chambers are structured to focus on each specific sub-sector of the industry.

PENWELL LUNGA

Chairman (KAP Board Member)

NICO BADENHORST

Director & Audit Com (Furniture Bedding & Upholstery Manufacturers Association)

GREG BOULLE

CEO, Audit Com

JUSTIN BERRY

Director & Chamber Lead – Raw Materials (PG Bison: Executive – Marketing and Strategic Development.)

MICHAEL BORCHERDS

Director & Chamber Lead – Bed & Mattress (CEO: KAP Sleep Division

JOHANN CLAASEN

Director (Connoiseur Mouldings)

WALTER DYERS

Director, Audit Com & Union Representative (National Union of Furniture and Allied Workers Union (NUFAWSA) – Cape Town)

STEPHANIE FORBES

Director & Chamber Lead – Kitchen & BIC (CEO: Kitchen Specialist Association)

PETER GREY

Director, Audit Com & Chamber Lead – Lounge (CEO: Four Corners Lounge)

MOHAMMED HANSA

Director & Chamber Lead – Case Goods (Fair Price Furnishers)

Provide market intelligence

Industry-background & structure
Industry statistics
Government procurement
International trade statistics

Skills development

Qualifications development
Training programmes
Mentoring
Support services

Local expansion and excellence

Promote SA furniture manufacturing
Building strategic partnerships
Training programmes

Market access

Local catalogue
Exports – research and trade missions

Members meetings

AGM
Ad hoc

Chamber Leads meetings

Ad hoc

Directors’ meetings

Quarterly
Ad hoc
Round Robin

Chamber meetings

Ad hoc

Audit, Risk & Finance Com

Quarterly
Ad hoc
Round Robin

Chamber leads (Individual) & SAFI mgt

Ad hoc

Voting Members

Employer Organisations

Garden Route Employers’ Association

Furniture Bedding Upholstery Manufacturers Association

Midlands Furniture Manufacturers Association

KZN Furniture Manufacturers Association

Allied Business Association

Unions affiliated to the industry

National Union of Furniture & Allied Workers of SA

Chemical Energy Paper Wood & Allied Workers Union

Non-Voting Members

Non-voting Membership is open to all individuals, entities and other stakeholders in the furniture value chain.

Furniture related NGO’s collectives:

Groupings and formations

Other centres with furniture development programmes and all furniture training institutions

Service providers operating in the furniture sector

"Being part of SAFI, as an SME in the Kitchen Manufacturing business,

has given me access to market opportunities in the sector, access to industry exhibitions, access to funding opportunities and a deeper appreciation for collaborations across the sector."

Dipuo Phakathi | CEO - Denic Cabinets

Key Achievements and Impact

With an urgent skills shortage threatening the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s furniture manufacturing sector, the South African Furniture Initiative (SAFI) is driving targeted interventions to secure the industry's future. Through strategic partnerships, workplace-based learning, and youth-centred training programmes, SAFI is laying the groundwork for a new generation of artisans, designers and entrepreneurs.

The makers of tomorrow – reviving skills, reimagining futures

South Africa’s furniture sector is at a crossroads. To secure its future, the South African Furniture Initiative is investing in skills development to empower the next generation of artisans, makers and innovators.

Media Partnerships

A media partnership with SAFI offers a dynamic platform for mutual growth. Partners gain direct access to South Africa’s furniture manufacturing sector through SAFI’s established networks, while simultaneously elevating their own profile by aligning with a well-respected industry body. In turn, SAFI benefits from increased visibility across various media channels, strengthening credibility and expanding its collective reach. Together, a partnership can help amplify influence, share valuable industry insights, and position both brands at the forefront of conversations driving the future of furniture manufacturing, design and trade.