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…
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…
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…
2025: The year South African furniture found its footing For South African furniture manufacturers, 2025 marked a shift from survival mode to strategic repositioning. With renewed focus on export readiness, skills development and policy alignment, the industry has begun reshaping how it competes globally, supported by SAFI’s growing role behind the scenes. 8 December 2025,…
