Furniture manufacturing programme empowering locals

 

Furniture manufacturing programme empowering locals

NONDUDUZO NGCONGO

THE 12-month Furniture Manufacturing Skills Development Programme for approximately 30 trainees is well underway at the Umkhumbane Entrepreneurial Support Centre. The cohort will complete the programme in November this year.

Thirty trainees are participating in the Furniture Manufacturing Skills Development Programme. They remained highly focused as they learnt to hone their craft. Picture: SUPPLIED 

Participants are turning their newly acquired skills into real opportunities with many already making furniture sales while still in training. This hands-on programme, which started in November last year, is a partnership between the eThekwini Municipality, the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority, and My Space Academy.

It aims to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with practical, market-ready furniture making skills. Trainees are taught to craft a wide range of furniture products including ottomans, couches, headboards, and chairs. In addition, they also receive training in workplace health and safety, drawing and engineering design, and re-upholstery.

In this class is well-known entertainer and Master of Ceremonies Smanga Mkhwanazi, who said the course came at the perfect time, ‘’I am still in entertainment but also embarking on this furniture making journey. We are learning so much, enough to kick-start our businesses and be independent. I am truly grateful for the opportunity,’’ he shared. He credits the COVID-19 pandemic for being a wakeup call that taught him the importance of having multiple income streams.

Busi Mkhize of My Space Academy, who is leading the programme, praised the group’s commitment. ‘’The trainees are showing a real hunger for learning and determination to be a success. They can now create furniture from scratch, and we’re connecting them with various market access opportunities. Many companies are already showing interest, with some confirming their orders.’’ Mkhize added that with the support of partners like Innovate Durban, trainees are exploring modern production techniques such as 3D printing and laser cutting, positioning them at the forefront of innovative furniture design.

Municipal Programme Manager Nonhlanhla Khumalo noted that the initiative is now in its seventh year, and its impact is unmeasurable in terms of jobs creation. ‘’This is more than skills training, it’s about building futures, fostering independence, and transforming communities through sustainable entrepreneurship.’’

After completion, trainees will be awarded South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 2 certificates.