National Furniture Design Competition Showcases South African Talent

1 min read
national furniture design competition south african talent

The National Furniture Design Competition is an annual event that promotes local design capabilities and encourages new product design and differentiation in the furniture industry. The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC) organized this year’s competition with the theme “Local is Lekker.” The competition is open to all students studying industrial design.

Tshepiso Motau Wins National Furniture Design Competition

Tshepiso Motau, a final-year Industrial Design student at the University of Johannesburg, won the National Furniture Design Competition. Her winning design was a multifunctional room divider with Ndebele patterns inspired by artist Dr. Esther Mahlangu. Judges chose her design for its unique combination of form and function.

Motau’s Design: Beauty and Flexibility

Motau’s winning design is not only beautiful but also practical. The room divider has shelves that can be assembled and disassembled depending on available space. This feature makes it adaptable to different living spaces, a crucial factor for consumers who value flexibility in their furniture.

Inspiration Behind Motau’s Winning Design

Motau’s inspiration came from her love for Ndebele patterns and her desire to learn about different cultures. Dr. Esther Mahlangu, an internationally acclaimed artist conferred an honorary doctorate by the University of Johannesburg in 2018, inspired her. Motau aimed to create a piece of furniture that tells a story and has meaning to the Ndebele community.

Education and Future Plans

Motau’s success is a testament to the education and training she received at the University of Johannesburg. She plans to complete her Honours Degree in Industrial Design before pursuing a full-time career in furniture design and manufacturing.

Opportunities for Motau

As the furniture design competition winner, Motau will have the opportunity to develop her furniture design skills further. She will join the Furntech Furniture Business Technology Incubator Programme for six months and receive an internship with Homewood Furniture and a laptop from the Lewis Furniture store.

Inspiration for Future Designers

Motau’s success in the competition inspires other students to reach for their dreams and take advantage of the opportunities provided by the University of Johannesburg. She proudly represents UJ and hopes her achievement will encourage others to realize their potential.

Environmentalist and Outdoor Enthusiast. Amanda is a nature-loving, energetic, and enthusiastic environmentalist who has dedicated her life to exploring and protecting Cape Town's stunning natural landscapes. She is an experienced hiker, wildlife enthusiast, and advocate for sustainable tourism.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

Teko Modise Criticizes Orlando Pirates Players’ Mentality

Next Story

Captain of South Africa’s Rugby Team, Siya Kolisi, Recovers from Knee Surgery Ahead of World Cup

Latest from Blog

EFF Calls for Western Cape Shutdown

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called for a shutdown in the Western Cape, with a planned protest on Monday, October 2nd. The protest is aimed at calling attention to the DAled government, which the EFF claims has neglected the poorest citizens and the working class. While the South African National Taxi Alliance has chosen not to participate, authorities are prepared for any potential violence or disturbances and have contingency plans in place to ensure the public’s safety and the smooth operation of businesses within the area.

A Beacon of Hope: The Lions Club of Tokai and Tygerberg Hospital Children’s Ward Transformation

The Lions Club of Tokai in South Africa has partnered with City Ballet and Artscape Theatre to transform the children’s ward at Tygerberg Hospital into a joyful and supportive space for young patients and their families. The first phase of the project involved repurposing a storage room into a colorful playroom, which offers children an escape from their illnesses and the opportunity to bond with their families and healthcare personnel. The project, focused on childhood cancers and pediatric orthopedic care, is financed through ticket sales and donations. The collaborative effort shows the potential for nonprofit organizations, artistic institutions, and the public to make a significant difference in vulnerable children’s lives.

Cape Town Anticipates EFF March: A Comprehensive Exploration of the Political and Social Scene

The march, which has been granted official permission for a peaceful demonstration, offers a platform for the EFF and its supporters to express their concerns and aspirations for social and political transformation. It is also an opportunity for artists and creatives within the city to engage with the political landscape and inspire new forms of artistic expression, highlighting the complex relationship between politics, society, and art in Cape Town.

Combatting Heart Disease: The Groundbreaking Work of Western Cape’s Hospitals

The Western Cape’s Tygerberg Hospital, Groote Schuur Hospital, and Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital have performed almost 10,000 heart surgeries in response to South Africa’s ongoing struggle against heart disease. Heart disease remains the primary cause of death in South Africa, and these hospitals are crucial in addressing this healthcare crisis. The success of these interventions is dependent on the collaboration of multidisciplinary teams across the hospitals, providing patients with the best possible outcomes.

Reeling from the Wrath of Nature: Western Cape’s Agricultural Sector Struggles with Losses

The agricultural sector in the Western Cape region of South Africa has suffered extensive damage in recent storms, with preliminary estimates putting losses at R1.4 billion. The Cape Winelands region was hit particularly hard, with power supplies disrupted and agricultural workers facing an uncertain future. The South African National Defence Force has been requested to assist with repair and recovery efforts, but a lengthy process of rebuilding lies ahead.