Thabisa Mjo of Johannesburg-based product design studio, Mash T. Design Studio, has become the first South African designer to have her work form part of the permanent collection at the renowned Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD) in Paris, France. 27 Oct 2020
A new Furniture Design Qualification was announced by Gugu Motlanthe during the 2nd Annual Furniture Sector Forum that recently took place online. The qualification was registered with the South African Quality Assurance Framework (SAQA) in May this year. 26 Oct 2020
Celebrating its 21st year as South Africa's premier platinum jewellery and manufacturing competition, PlatAfrica has announced the 20 finalists for this year's competition, which for the first time focused exclusively on men's jewellery. 26 Oct 2020
The Nando's Hot Young Designer Talent Search (HYD) has announced its list of finalists for 2020. The competition, now in its third iteration, aims to unearth fresh new designs and launch the careers of local emerging creatives. For the 2020 edition of HYD, young designers were asked to create a unique bench that responds sensitively to seating needs in a time of social distancing. 13 Oct 2020
On 11 September, along the sidelines of UN Day for South-South cooperation, UNOSSC and CADFund jointly launched the South-South in Action Report on "China-Africa Development Fund: Promoting the Sustainable Development of Africa through South-South Investment", including the case of Hisense Appliance Industrial Park Project. UNOSSC and CADFund launched this important publication on today's online event. Mr Jia Shaoqian, president of Hisense Group, Ms Xiaojun Grace Wang, deputy director of programmes and operations, United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation, Mr Song Le, chairperson of CADFund and others attended. 29 Sep 2020
Many people re-discovered their enthusiasm for local production during the disruptive, bewildering early days of the pandemic. The result is 'localisation', an emerging global trend that could revitalise local factories. 1 Sep 2020
With a vision to uplift, African Smiles has launched a collection of 16 fabric face masks created by talented local designers. The masks celebrate South African creativity and each one holds a unique message of hope and happiness, while expressing the beauty and friendliness of the hidden smile behind the mask. 12 Aug 2020
Personal protective equipment (PPE) has arguably become the most sought-after commodity in the world. The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a global shortage of this equipment. This has created an opportunity for garment factories across Asia, which have lots of spare capacity because their clothing is in much less demand than usual. 23 Jul 2020
The latest product to come out of the Lego Group and Nintendo partnership is a brick-built Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and TV, complete with a mechanical scrolling Super Mario on the screen. Designed with adult fans in mind, builders will be able to recreate Super Mario Bros. gameplay and rekindle nostalgic NES memories. 15 Jul 2020
In a move to support local manufacturing and small enterprises, Dis-Chem Pharmacies has partnered with corporate clothing group Worksgroup to outsource the production of its staff uniforms via a small manufacturing incubator in Kwa-Zulu Natal. 25 Jun 2020
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While the South African furniture manufacturing sector has endured some tough times in recent years, there are still significant financial incentives for high-quality projects. This is the view of two funding specialists who recently addressed furniture manufacturing entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders in a business webinar. 24 Jun 2020
After nearly 130 years in business and a series of breakthrough innovations that shaped the way we light up our homes, General Electric has sold its lighting division to the US-based market leader in smart homes, Savant, for a reported $250m. 9 Jun 2020
For years, apparel brands have promised to police their supply chains to root out unsafe conditions and worker abuse. But new research from Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations found a variety of problems in their efforts. 8 Jun 2020
The safety of our communities is a top priority for us at Mpact. We have further expanded our face shield range and will be launching a respiratory mask during the course of June; ready for the re-opening of the many industries under lock down level three. 29 May 2020
To help advance inclusion within creativity, Crayola is launching a box of crayons that represents the world's diverse array of skin tones. 27 May 2020
Entries are now open for the third iteration of the Nando's Hot Young Designer Talent Search, which aims to launch the careers of local emerging creatives and unearth fresh new designs. 15 May 2020
As 1.5 million workers in the South African economy returned to work this week, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel has met with representatives of the clothing textile, footwear and leather sector. 6 May 2020
The V&A Waterfront's new 100 Beautiful Things initiative celebrates the creativity of the makers behind some of South Africa's most inspiring projects, products, ideas and experiences. All of the ideas showcased have been created with either compassion, sustainability, future-thinking or local essence at their core, with some being recognised for just simply being beautiful. 22 Apr 2020
Michelin has mobilised on all fronts to produce masks and visors as 10 European plants launch production in April 2020. 17 Apr 2020
The Craft and Design Institute (CDI), a non-profit company, is calling on South Africans to continue supporting the thousands of small businesses in the local craft and design sector during the Covid-19 lockdown. Consumers are encouraged to visit the CDI's online platform Peek, which displays an array of local products created by South African small businesses. 14 Apr 2020
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