How to apply for SAFI membership

SAFI membership is free for furniture manufacturers holding a registration certificate from their regional Bargaining Council. Here is what to do, and what happens after you apply.

Supplier or service provider rather than a manufacturer? Apply as an Associate Member.

From application to member access in four steps

  1. Get your certificate Register with your regional Bargaining Council and obtain your registration certificate. Get your certificate
  2. Apply to SAFI — free Complete the online application with your certificate at hand. It takes about 5 minutes. Apply
  3. Review & approval The SAFI team verifies your certificate, then sends your confirmation and unique SAFI Member Code.
  4. Access Your staff use the Member Code to create accounts and access the member portal — reports, tenders, job seekers and events.

What SAFI membership gives your business

SAFI exists to grow South African furniture manufacturing. Membership connects your business to the opportunities, information and people that make that happen.

  • Industry reports & market insights Exclusive research and data to guide your business decisions.
  • Tenders & job postings First access to tender opportunities and a pool of registered job seekers.
  • Members-only events & workshops Networking, training and industry events — like the one that brought you here.
  • Compliance & regulatory updates Stay ahead of labour law and industry regulation changes.
  • Export assistance & trade information Market guides and support for taking your products beyond South Africa.

First your Bargaining Council certificate — then free SAFI membership

FREE

SAFI membership costs nothing for furniture manufacturers who hold a registration certificate from their regional Bargaining Council. The certificate comes first: once you have it, your SAFI application is free.

Don't have your certificate yet?

Register with the Bargaining Council for your region to obtain your certificate — then come back and apply to SAFI. Most regions take a form or an online registration, and it is quicker to start there than to phone.

Choose your region below for the steps, the form, and that council's contact details.

See the steps for your region

Have your Bargaining Council certificate?

You qualify for free membership. Have your certificate ready and complete the application — the SAFI team will verify it and set up your membership.

Apply now

How to register with your Bargaining Council

Each region has its own council and its own process. Choose where your business manufactures.

Where does your business manufacture?

Choose your region above to see the steps.

Western Cape, Eastern Cape & Northern Cape

Bargaining Council for the Furniture Manufacturing Industry of the Cape Provinces

Registering does not require an application fee.

  1. Open the registration form and complete it — business details, trading address, contact person and the date the business commenced.
  2. List the full names, ID numbers and home addresses of every director, member, trustee, partner or owner.
  3. Name the responsible persons for pension fund compliance. The council participates in the Furniture Industry Provident Fund of the Western Cape, and section 13A of the Pension Funds Act makes named individuals personally liable for contributions.
  4. Attach copies of the IDs and your company registration document — CIPC, close corporation, co-operative or trust certificate, or partnership agreement.
  5. Sign it with all authorised signatories and send it to the secretary, or post it to Furniture Industry House, 7 Maritz Street, Kempenville, Bellville 7530.
Open the registration form (PDF)

Questions about registering? secretary@furniture.org.za · 021 948 5775

South Western Districts

Bargaining Council for the Furniture Manufacturing Industry of the South Western Districts — George, the Garden Route and the Klein Karoo

Registering does not require an application fee.

  1. Open the registration form and complete it — business details, trading address, contact person and the date the business commenced.
  2. List the full names, ID numbers and home addresses of every director, member, trustee, partner or owner.
  3. Complete Addendum “A” with your employee information.
  4. Attach copies of the IDs and your company registration document — CIPC, co-operative or trust certificate, or partnership agreement.
  5. Sign it with all authorised signatories and send it to the council.
Open the registration form (PDF)

Questions about registering? info@grea.co.za · 044 873 2581

Gauteng, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West

Furniture Bargaining Council

This council registers employers online, so there is no form to print.

  1. Open the online registration and select your province.
  2. Enter your registered and trading names, registration numbers, manufacturing and postal addresses, working hours and pay week.
  3. Choose your main manufacturing activity, and give your employee numbers and the date the business commenced.
  4. Upload your certificate of registration — PDF, JPG or PNG, up to 5 MB.
  5. Add up to three responsible persons, then sign the declaration and submit.
Register online

Questions about registering? council@furnbed.co.za · 011 242 9200

KwaZulu-Natal

Bargaining Council for the Furniture Manufacturing Industry, KwaZulu-Natal

The council sends you the registration form on request.

  1. Request the registration form from the council and complete it.
  2. Send the completed form with the supporting documents to the council, or hand them to the designated agent who collects them.
  3. The council’s Head of Compliance approves the registration.
  4. The Head of Compliance delivers your certificate of registration.
  5. The designated agent holds an educational session with your employees.
Request the form by email

Questions about registering? secretary@bcfmikzn.org · 031 301 7788

Not sure which council covers you?

If you are not sure which council your business falls under, contact the SAFI office and we will point you to the right one.

Email the SAFI office

safi.info@furnituresa.org.za · +27 11 888 0655

Don't miss the next one

Members hear about events, tenders and opportunities first. Get your Bargaining Council certificate, apply, and be part of the next members-only event.

Get started — check you qualify

Supplier or service provider? Apply as an Associate Member instead.