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 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 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 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 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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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,…
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Less Than 3 Months to Go – Register Now for Free Entry to WoodEX for Africa 2025! WoodEX for Africa, the continent’s leading trade show for timber, woodworking machinery, forestry, and sawmilling, returns to Gallagher Convention Centre, Hall 2, from 18 – 20 June 2025. Recognised as the key gateway into Southern Africa’s timber trade,…
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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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WoodEX for Africa 2024: THE GATEWAY INTO AFRICA SINCE 2012 Johannesburg, 4 – 6 June 2024 – WoodEX for Africa 2024, the sub continent’s premier timber trade exhibition, has once again solidified its position as the gateway to Africa’s wood and woodworking machinery industry. Showcasing a comprehensive range, from cutting-edge CNC machines to fittings and…
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WoodEX for Africa is preparing for the most important event in the sub-Saharan African wood and machinery industry.With over 80% of the stands already sold out, this event expects to attract over 8,500 visitors and feature 150 exhibitors from 30 different countries. The event provides an ideal opportunity for exhibitors to network with important industry…
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