Publication Date: 7 November 2025
1. Interpretation
1.1 In these Terms and Conditions, unless inconsistent with or otherwise indicated by the context –
1.1.1 “Business Day” means any day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or a public holiday;
1.1.2 “Catalogue” means the catalogue of Products published on the Website through which consumers can directly purchase Products from various manufacturers (who are Members) by assistance from a sales agent (who is an associate member);
1.1.3 “Member” means a manufacturer who completes the Membership Application Form and is accepted as a member by SAFI and thus, is entitled to make use of the Services on payment of the Membership Fee;
1.1.4 “Membership Application Form” means the membership application form accessible on the Website from time to time, for the purpose of applying to become a member of SAFI, which membership application is subject to acceptance by SAFI;
1.1.5 “Products” means the furniture products advertised on the Website from time to time;
1.1.6 “SAFI” means South African Furniture Initiative NPC, registration number 2009/003078/08, a non-profit company duly incorporated in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa;
1.1.7 “Services” means the services offered by SAFI to Members through the Website which includes access to and allowing manufacturer’s products to be included in the Catalogue, a members bulletin with news and industry relevant updates, a tender bulletin which includes a list of all industry specific tenders, an export market finder and an employment portal whereby vacancies are posted and candidates seeking employment are listed;
1.1.8 “Terms and Conditions” means the membership terms and conditions contained herein, as amended from time to time; and
1.1.9 “Website” means the Website owned and maintained by SAFI, or through which SAFI makes information relating to its Services available to Members and publishes the Catalogue, including but not limited to the website located at the domain name https://furnituresa.org.za.
1.2 The rule of construction that the contract shall be interpreted against the Party responsible for the drafting or preparation of these Terms and Conditions shall not apply.
1.3 These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
1.4 Expressions defined in these Terms and Conditions shall bear the same meanings in any annexure hereto which does not contain its own definitions.
2. Introduction
2.1 This document sets out the Terms and Conditions for being a Member of SAFI.
2.2 These Terms and Conditions are to be read in conjunction with the SAFI privacy policy and website terms and conditions published on the Website.
3. Membership
3.1 In order to become a Member, the relevant person or entity must complete the Membership Application Form and submit same to SAFI.
3.2 In order to be a Member of SAFI, all manufacturers must be registered with an industry specific bargaining council. SAFI may request and require proof that such entity is duly registered with a bargaining council and SAFI reserves the right to reject any membership application for an entity who is not registered with a bargaining council. Once SAFI has confirmed in writing that it has accepted the membership application, the Member shall be entitled to access the Services, which may include −
3.2.1 access to SAFI’s member area and knowledge hub which posts industry resources;
3.2.2 export information, tender notices, job postings and business directory listings in South Africa; and
3.2.3 access to participate in events, webinars and skills development courses.
3.3 SAFI reserves the right to modify, amend, add or remove certain Services from time to time, without notice to Members.
3.4 Membership of SAFI is free to any furniture manufacturer that is registered with a relevant furniture bargaining council and accordingly, no membership fee shall be applicable.
4. Suspension and Termination of Membership
4.1 SAFI shall be entitled to terminate the Services in respect of any Member at any time on 10 Business Days’ notice to the Member.
4.2 SAFI may suspend or terminate a Member’s membership (or restrict access to the Services) if the Member:
4.2.1 fails to comply with these Terms and Conditions;
4.2.2 ceases to be registered with a furniture bargaining council;
4.2.3 engages in conduct harmful to SAFI, the furniture industry, or other Members; and
4.2.4 provides false or misleading information in the Membership Application Form.
5. Member Warranties and Undertakings
5.1 The Member warrants and/or undertakes to SAFI, that –
5.1.1 all the information provided by it in completing the Membership Application Form is true and correct, and will be relied on by SAFI on the assumption of the correctness thereof;
5.1.2 it will regularly familiarise itself with and abide by these Terms and Conditions and the Website terms and conditions and privacy policy, which rules are capable of changing from time to time;
5.1.3 it will abide by all applicable laws, regulations, and rules of the relevant furniture bargaining council;
5.1.4 it will conduct itself in a manner consistent with SAFI’s values, ethical standards, and policies, including but not limited to promoting sustainability, transformation, inclusiveness, and good governance in the furniture industry; and
5.1.5 it shall promptly inform SAFI of any change in its legal status, contact details, or any material changes affecting its eligibility.
6. Limitation of Liability
6.1 SAFI shall under no circumstances be liable for its Members operations and consumers are to address concerns with the relevant Member directly.
6.2 The Member agrees and acknowledges that SAFI, its directors, representatives, employees, agents, and assigns will not be liable for and are indemnified by the Member for any loss, damages, or theft suffered or incurred to person or property (whether direct, indirect or consequential) as a result of death, injury or illness of whatever nature, or any other cause whatsoever, however arising and whether caused as a result of the use of the Services supplied by SAFI or any negligent act or omission of SAFI, its directors, representatives, employees and assigns and accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss (whether direct, indirect or consequential) arising from information provided on in these Terms and Conditions or any actions arising therefrom.
7. Confidentiality and Data Protection
7.1 The Member may have access to confidential or proprietary information of SAFI by virtue of its membership. The Member shall keep such information confidential and not disclose it to third parties except with SAFI’s consent or as required by law.
7.2 SAFI will process Members’ personal information in accordance with its privacy policy as published on the Website.
8. Acceptance and Changes to Terms
8.1 SAFI may modify these Terms and Conditions from time to time by posting updated versions thereof to the Website.
8.2 By submitting a Membership Application Form, the Member agrees to these Terms and Conditions, the Website terms and conditions and privacy policy and all related policies as amended from time to time.