The new classroom: The factory floor

The new classroom: The factory floor Factories are becoming classrooms, reshaping how skills are developed across South Africa’s manufacturing sector. By embedding learning directly into the workplace, businesses are building practical, work-ready talent while strengthening productivity, offering a powerful new approach to addressing the country’s skills gap. What if the solution to South Africa’s skills…

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The Master Plan behind furniture manufacturing’s comeback

The Master Plan behind furniture manufacturing’s comeback South Africa’s furniture manufacturing sector is entering a decisive phase. As the Furniture Industry Master Plan shifts from policy framework to active implementation, manufacturers are beginning to see tangible changes in localisation, export access and competitiveness, signalling renewed momentum for an industry central to employment, industrial growth and…

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From cellar to centre stage

From cellar to centre stage There was a time when wine storage meant a dedicated cellar tucked away from daily life. Today however, it has been integrated into the design of the modern kitchen – subtle, sleek, convenient and part of everyday life. Wine storage is no longer confined to cellars or hidden utility spaces.…

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WoodEX for Africa 2026 Opens Visitor Registration


WoodEX for Africa 2026 Opens Visitor Registration Johannesburg, South Africa – Visitor registration is now officially open for WoodEX for Africa 2026, taking place from 9–11 June 2026 at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg. WoodEX for Africa is Southern Africa’s leading trade exhibition dedicated to the woodworking, timber processing, forestry, furniture manufacturing, machinery, tools and related industries. The event brings together…

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Why Skills Are the Furniture Industry’s Competitive Edge

Why Skills Are the Furniture Industry’s Competitive Edge Skills development has become one of the most decisive factors shaping the future of South Africa’s furniture manufacturing sector. What was once viewed largely as a compliance requirement is now recognised as a strategic business priority – one that directly influences productivity, competitiveness and long-term sustainability. 30…

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WoodEX for Africa 2025

Johannesburg, 18 – 20 June 2025 – WoodEX for Africa 2025, Southern Africa’s premier timber trade exhibition, has once again solidified its position as the gateway to Africa’s wood and woodworking machinery industry. The event will showcase an extensive range of products, from cutting-edge CNC machines to fittings and finishes, laminates and timber boards, MDF,…

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Countdown: exhibitors you have less than 2 months left

Countdown: exhibitors you have less than 2 months left Exhibit sales are underway. Time and space are running out for South Africa and Africa’s most important woodworking, forestry and sawmilling event. The show runs over three days and provides an exclusive opportunity for manufacturers and distributors of woodworking machinery, tooling, software, cabinet hardware, lumber and…

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