The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism has opened doors for local small businesses and manufacturers to shine nationally and internationally. These enterprises, spanning from interior design to furniture manufacturing and sustainable home decor, have been granted a unique opportunity to participate in the prestigious annual Decorex Trade Exhibition hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
The Decorex Trade Exhibition is one of South Africa's most prominent events in the home and décor industry. This year, it serves as a platform for a diverse array of North West's entrepreneurial endeavours, propelling them onto the global stage. With a spotlight on innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability, the event promises to exhibit the latest trends while offering a dynamic marketplace for businesses to showcase their offerings to a broad audience.
Among the standout exhibitors is Judith Monaisa, the creative force behind JudyM Arts and Crafts Creations in Khuma, Stilfontein. Embracing the role of a youthful entrepreneur in interior design, Judith's imaginative upcycled products have caught the attention of many. Her workshop produces environmentally conscious home fittings, including ottomans ingeniously crafted from discarded car tires, featuring added storage. The repertoire extends to laundry baskets repurposed from plastic buckets, bespoke furniture, and distinctive glass ornaments for home adornment.
Another North West representative is Samuel Sebego, founder of TAKE NO TIME based in Koster. Established in 2018, TAKE NO TIME initially focused on upholstery services and repairs. Under Samuel's visionary leadership, the business rapidly evolved into furniture manufacturing, upcycling, and innovation. One of the standout creations is a speaker frame ottoman fashioned from reclaimed speakers, skilfully transformed into contemporary handmade stools or ottomans. This inventive design includes a built-in speaker, adding an element of versatility to the piece.
Samuel's innovation and dedication to sustainability earned him the prestigious 2022 Recycling Award from the Department of Small Business Development. His designs have also graced the stage of this year's Beautiful Things exhibition, solidifying his position as a trailblazer in sustainable design.
Thabang Molefe, the visionary behind Tamcrafts Furniture and Upholstery from Taung, is another North West gem supported by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism. With a two-year partnership, the business continues to gain momentum. Thabang produces elegant and customised home furniture, seamlessly merging functionality with aesthetics. The offerings span upholstery services, home theatres, bedroom suites, living room furniture, and innovative steelwork-integrated designs. Tamcrafts' commitment to impeccable craftsmanship and contemporary design is harmonised with cost-effective pricing.
Neo Mponti, owner of Diclau Design and a passionate advocate for sustainable living, is another shining example. Hailing from Magogoe in Mahikeng, Neo's creative enterprise focuses on interior design and the manufacturing of upcycled furniture. Diclau Design's hallmark pieces include chic ottomans and coffee tables crafted from recycled tires and vibrantly hued rope, resulting in stylish and eco-friendly works. These durable, low-maintenance furnishings are the epitome of sustainable home elegance.
The Decorex Trade Exhibition is not just a platform for North West businesses to display their craftsmanship; it's a springboard to a broader market and a catalyst for economic growth. By participating in this prominent event, these businesses aim to contribute to job creation, economic development, and the flourishing of the province's entrepreneurial landscape.
