Voice of the furniture industry

As the implementing agent of the Furniture Industry Master Plan (FIMP), we’re working to revitalise South Africa’s furniture sector and generate real growth and employment. Our vision is a vibrant industry that creates dignified jobs, sparks innovation, and delivers quality products that enrich lives across Africa and beyond. We focus on six strategic pillars that drive tangible outcomes.

Furniture Industry Master Plan

The Furniture Industry Master Plan is the national roadmap developed by the DTIC, SAFI, and industry stakeholders to strengthen and grow our sector.

The plan tackles real problems:
It unlocks real opportunities:
ACCESS THE FIMP (PDF)

The plan tackles real problems:

    • Declining investment in equipment
    • Skills shortages threatening long-term sustainability
    • Illegal and under-declared imports that undercut local manufacturers
    • Insufficient access to government procurement opportunities

It unlocks real opportunities:

    • State procurement of locally manufactured furniture
    • Export demand through AFCFTA and global trade agreements
    • Access to raw materials from local suppliers
    • Investment in competitiveness and growth for small and medium manufacturers

We’re taking action against illegal imports, securing duty rebates, using trade remedies to level the playing field, and building data platforms that give you market intelligence when you need it.

Governance and Structure

SAFI is a non-profit company funded mainly by the furniture industry bargaining councils. Our members are the employer associations and trade unions affiliated to the furniture sector. Our chambers focus on specific sub-sectors, so you get representation that actually understands your business.

Mandate
Governance
SAFI Structure
Industry Statistics
penwelllunga

PENWELL LUNGA

Chairman (KAP Board Member)

greg boulle

GREG BOULLE

CEO, Audit Com

nico badenhorst

NICO BADENHORST

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

JUSTIN BERRY

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

Byron_Donaldson

Byron Donaldson

Director & Chamber Lead School & Office (CEO Reboni Furniture Manufacturing)

walter dyers

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

PETER GREY

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

MOHAMMED HANSA

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

Stephan Nieuwoudt

Director & Chamber Lead - Retail (CPO Pepkor Lifestyle)

Jonathan_van_Rooyen

Jonathan van Rooyen

Director & Union representative (National Union of Furniture and Allied Workers Union (NUFAWSA) – Durban)

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

Cape Provinces Furniture Manufacturers Association

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 has given me access to market opportunities,

industry exhibitions, funding opportunities, and a deeper appreciation for collaboration across the sector."

Dipuo Phakathi | CEO - Denic Cabinets

Key Achievements and Impact

With an urgent skills shortage threatening the long-term sustainability of our sector, SAFI is driving targeted interventions to secure the industry's future. Through strategic partnerships, workplace-based learning, and youth-centered training programs, we're building the next 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, we're investing in skills development to empower the next generation of makers and innovators.

safi_skills_sq

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.

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