KwaZulu-Natal furniture design student makes his dreams a reality
Lwazi Mshibe, a furniture design graduate, has been announced as the student category winner at the 5th annual Furniture Design Competition Awards held at the Homemakers Expo in Johannesburg.
On Let's Get Local with Jane Linley-Thomas, Lwazi Mshibe joins Jane in the studio to tell her about his award-winning furniture project, titled 'Songa'.
Lwazi Mshibe studied towards a Bachelor of Technology Interior Design Degree at the Durban University of Technology. He decided to enter the Homemakers Expo for a second time and came out as a winner.
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According to IOL, the furniture design competition is a dti project which seeks to elevate South Africa’s furniture manufacturing capabilities and enhance its competitiveness locally and abroad.
His design concept is called 'Songa' (meaning 'to fold' in Isixhosa). His work is so creative and practical at the same time. I could see myself owning one of his chairs.
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When asked for the reasoning behind his amazing designs, this is what he had to say:
It was during this period when I was introduced to the struggles many students encounter living in very limited space that often required flexible pieces of furniture. That is when I designed this multi-purpose concept that comes as one and can be stored for a variety of uses. The concept can be put together and tucked away when space is required.
What a wonderful human being this chap is and with such a creative mind. I love his fold-away furniture not only for its look and feel, but also the Xhosa print.
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When I asked him what he wanted to do with his life in the bigger picture, he said to own a design firm. The world is at your feet! Go get em!
Let us all start to encourage the growth of our local talent and make South Africa shine!