ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
25 JUNE 2026
ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY TO CELEBRATE 70 FURNITURE MAKING AND UPHOLSTERY GRADUATES
Members of the media are invited to attend the Furniture Making and Upholstery Skills Development Graduation Ceremony tomorrow, 26 June, at the Umkhumbane Entrepreneurial Support Centre.
The ceremony will celebrate the achievements of 70 graduates from the 2025 and 2026 cohorts who have successfully completed the Furniture Making and Upholstery Skills Development Programme, supported by the Municipality and the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority.
Of the graduates, 30 completed the 12-month programme, while 40 completed the three-month programme, earning South African Qualifications Authority accredited National Qualifications Framework Level 2 certificates.
Since its inception in 2019, the programme has empowered more than 250 beneficiaries with industry-relevant skills, creating pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods.
Through strategic industry partnerships, several graduates have secured employment opportunities, while others have established their own businesses and are contributing to local economic development.
The event will also showcase inspiring success stories from former beneficiaries who have progressed from trainees to business owners and industry exhibitors.
Attendees will have an opportunity to view furniture products designed and crafted by the graduates.
This graduation ceremony forms part of eThekwini Municipality’s ongoing efforts to equip residents with practical skills, promote entrepreneurship, and create sustainable economic opportunities through targeted skills development initiatives.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover this significant milestone.
Details of the event are as follows:
Date: Friday, 26 June 2026
Time: 09:30
Venue: Umkhumbane Entrepreneurial Support Centre
To RSVP nonduduzo.ngcongo@durban.gov.za
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
