The Furniture Industry Master Plan (FIMP) continues to serve as a vital framework for driving transformation, competitiveness and sustainability in South Africa’s furniture manufacturing sector. In September, the dtic presented an updated Reporting Dashboard tracking progress across the six key FIMP pillars, including localisation, skills development and competitiveness.
“SAFI remains fully engaged in all aspects of the Master Plan, ensuring that the voice of manufacturers continues to shape national industry policy,” says Boulle. “Our collaboration with the dtic and other stakeholders is central to advancing localisation, building skills and strengthening the industry’s long-term competitiveness.”
Recent engagements included the Localisation Task Team meeting, where SAFI presented on tender monitoring and trade asymmetries with China. SAFI also addressed concerns around government procurement, advocat ing for local manufacturing to be prioritised in provincial supply chain frameworks.
Under the Skills Task Team, SAFI reported on its roadshows and institutional outreach programmes in the Western Cape, KZN and Gauteng, aimed at expanding artisan training, QCTO accreditation and workplace-based learning. “Skills development remains a cornerstone of transformation,” says Boulle.
“We’re working closely with the FP&M SETA to align training with real industry demand.” The Competitiveness Task Team continues to progress with the dtic and partners such as PG Bison and the IDC, focusing on the next value chain study and practical trade remedies against under declared imports. “These initiatives show the strength of coordinated action,” concludes Boulle. “Collaboration remains our greatest competitive advantage.”
