The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) is proud to announce the hosting of the Annual Furniture Design Competition Awards ceremony, that will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre today.
The Furniture Design Competition fosters innovation and excellence in South African furniture design and propels careers of young designers. The competition aims to create a platform for the development of new, competitive furniture products. It targets design students registered at South African institutions.
This year’s Furniture Design Competition centres around the theme “Celebrating the Outdoors”, encouraging contestants to consider ergonomics, functionality, affordability, and sustainability in their design creations.
The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ms Nomalungelo Gina says this year’s ceremony will mark a decade of recognising and nurturing design talent within the South African furniture sector, and that the awards have played a pivotal role in fostering innovation and excellence in furniture design.
“We are confident and are looking forward to witnessing designs that will not only be aesthetically pleasing but also commercially viable, contributing to the growth of the industry and the expansion of our export market. This competition not only propels the careers of young designers, but also serves as a launchpad for the development of new products that contribute to the competitiveness of the South African furniture industry,” she says.
Gina adds that the South African Furniture Industry remains an important sector in the economy and is considered to have a huge potential to create jobs and to contribute to increasing exports and the development of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises.
“The design competition is aimed at contributing to the development of the design skills in the furniture sector and it is used as a creative instrument to promote product differentiation and new development. This competition also aligns with the recently developed Furniture Industry Masterplan, which outlines a strategic roadmap for the growth and development of the industry,” she says.
The ceremony will showcase the work of five design students registered in South African academic institutions and local emerging or established furniture manufacturing companies. Each finalist responded to the competition’s challenges, focusing on designs that prioritise local materials, repurposed elements, and promote a sustainable approach to outdoor furniture. The event will culminate in the announcement of the category winners, marking a significant milestone in their design journeys.
Members of the media are invited to attend the Furniture Design Competition Awards
Date: Monday, 25 March 2024
Time: 13:00
Venue: Sandton International Convention Centre
RSVPs should be forwarded to Charles Mnisi via telephone on 012 394 1721/ 082 520 3475 or e-mail: Cmnisi@thedtic.gov.za
Enquiries:
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
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