SAFI continues to play a leading role in strengthening education, training and industry alignment within the furniture manufacturing sector. Under the guidance of Skills and Qualifications Manager, Lynn Adonis, SAFI has made significant progress in expanding partnerships, promoting QCTO-accredited programmes, and supporting both institutions and manufacturers to meet national training standards.
“Skills development remains at the heart of industry transformation,” says Adonis. “By aligning qualifications with QCTO frameworks and providing hands-on support to our partners, we’re building a skilled workforce that ensures long-term industry sustainability.”
Over the past quarter, SAFI deepened collaboration with key TVET and training centres, including Northlink College, False Bay TVET College, and Raymond Mhlaba Ski l ls Centre, and Durban University of Technology (DUT). Each partnership is focused on strengthening workplace-based learning, ensuring assessors are fully prepared for the 2026 rollout of furniture
qualifications, and supporting wider uptake of these programmes across participating institutions. SAFI also worked closely with manufacturers such as Denic Cabinets, LHT Furniture Manufacturers, and Home Concept to guide them through QCTO accreditation processes. In addition, SAFI has continued to support emerging entrepreneurs like Lerato Mere in business registration and compliance through mentorship partnerships.
Training momentum has accelerated through the SP Assessment Practitioner Skills Programme, which began in October 2025 with 34 learners. The Learning and Development Facilitator Programme reported a 79% competency rate and a facilitator satisfaction rating of 4.7/5. The Learning Support Facilitator Programme achieved 100% competency in its first modules.
“These results show that when structured support is in place, learners thrive,” says Adonis. “It’s about making sure our training translates directly into employability and productivity.” SAFI has also continued to participate in qualification review and development sessions led by the FP&M SETA. This includes reviewing the Furniture Maker, Upholsterer, and Designer qualifications and developing new Kitchen Designer, Kitchen and Cabinet Installer, and Upholsterer Stitcher/Seamstress skills programmes. “We’ve ensured that industry voices are represented in every stage of development,” notes Adonis. “That’s vital for creating qualifications that are relevant, current and responsive to market needs.”
SAFI’s Facilitator Programmes are strengthening skills across the furniture and wood products sector, developing trainers, assessors, supervisors and workplace mentors. Supported by FP&M SETA and Sequential Training & Development, the programmes raise industry standards. “We’re building confident professionals who drive transformation and create opportunity for learners and employers,” says Lynn Adonis.
SAFI arranged to host regional roadshows across KZN, Gauteng, and the Eastern Cape between November and December 2025. These engagements are focused on accreditation readiness, workplace learning integration, and linking training providers with manufacturers to improve employment pathways. SAFI is also assisting NC Upholstery and Raymond Mhlaba Skills
Centre with their QCTO documentation and site visit preparations. Despite ongoing funding and accreditation delays, SAFI continues to push for solutions through close coordination with FP&M SETA and QCTO. “We’ve built strong relationships that help us escalate challenges and keep projects moving,” says Adonis.
To support members more effectively, SAFI has developed standardised service level agreements and career pathway documents for site audits and accreditation preparations. “These templates give our members clarity and confidence through the process,” explains Adonis.
As 2026 approaches, SAFI will finalise Final Integrated Summative Assessment (FISA) preparations, deliver learner interventions, and launch the new Work-Based Learning and Development Practitioner qualification at NQF Level 5. “Every milestone we reach strengthens our collective capability,” concludes Adonis. “Our goal is to build a skilled, confident workforce that can take South African furniture to the world.”
