The eThekwini Furniture Cluster has been praised for the exceptional role it plays in driving skills development, stimulating job creation for local, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as strengthening the city’s economy.

The significance of the role it plays was highlighted during the eThekwini Furniture Cluster’s year-end function and awards ceremony, which took place at the Royal Durban Golf Club in Greyville, Durban. The awards ceremony reflected on the year’s achievement as well as honouring those who have successfully completed this year’s programme.

The eThekwini Furniture Cluster’s core mandate is to provide technical training to equip SMEs with cutting-edge industry knowledge and skills.

The city’s Economic Development and Planning Committee Chairperson Thembo Ntuli said the initiative has empowered manufacturers to refine their craft, embrace new technologies, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.

He added that the success of these training programmes demonstrates the cluster’s commitment to its members’ professional development and the prosperity of the local furniture sector.

“Over the past three years, the eThekwini Furniture Cluster has achieved impressive milestone. It has secured over 15 new commercial deals between SMEs and leading firms and unlocking over R12 million in new opportunities for black-owned SMEs. It has also creating 86 new jobs. They have hosted almost 40 shared learning events in support of the Sakha iTheku Strategy (helps to rebuild the economy in a more inclusive and sustainable manner),” said Mr Ntuli.

He added that due to the success of the partnership, he was thrilled to announce that the municipality is extending its contract with the eThekwini Furniture Cluster until 2027 under the Scaling Up Strategy.

This continued support will provide the necessary resources to expand the cluster’s initiatives, drive innovation, and help members scale their businesses, Mr Ntuli said.

“This sector is not only crucial for job creation and industrial growth, but also for driving local economic growth. In 2022 alone, this industry contributed R1.26 billion to the province’s manufacturing gross value added, with eThekwini accounting for a substantial 47%, equating to R601 million of that total,” said Mr Ntuli. “The cluster has also introduced a standout revolutionary Customer Compass Programme, which has transformed how SMEs connect with their customers.”

This programme, Mr Ntuli said, has provided crucial insights into customer preferences, market trends, and effective sales strategies, helping businesses to better cater for their clients and enhancing customer satisfaction.

“We have another similar programme where we are partnering with The Fibre Processing and Manufacturing SETA to provide furniture making skills at the UMkhumbane Entrepreneurial Support Centre. To date, over 150 people that have been trained under this programme over the past five years and are now running their own businesses and contributing to employment creation,” Mr Ntuli said.

Staff at the eThekwini Furniture Cluster, based in Kloof, north-west of Durban, train people to master the art of furniture-making. Picture: ETHEKWINI FURNITURE CLUSTER

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