Inside UKHUNI: Pioneering Sustainable Design Solutions

At UKHUNI, the commitment to sustainability goes hand in hand with innovation and design excellence. Specializing in high-quality, eco-friendly building solutions, UKHUNI has emerged as a leader in the South African market, offering a range of products that cater to both residential and commercial needs.

In this Q&A session, we delve into the inspirations behind UKHUNI’s mission, exploring how the company combines sustainable practices with cutting-edge technology to create beautiful, functional spaces. From their approach to sourcing materials to the impact of their work on local communities, we uncover the values and vision driving UKHUNI forward. Join us as we explore how this dynamic company is shaping the future of construction and interior design, all while prioritizing the health of our planet.

You believe that your professional life was predestined and that there were important clues. Where did all this begin, and what were those clues?

I believe that our professional journeys are often guided by our inherent values and behaviours, which serve as clues along the way. For me, integrity is a key principle—it means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.

Our story began in 1993 as a small catalog dealership. Through building strong relationships with suppliers, taking calculated risks, and consistently showing up despite challenges, we evolved into the Ukhuni brand, which now boasts a proud history and reputation.

While it may sound like a cliché, prioritizing our people has been fundamental to our success. Without our dedicated team, we wouldn’t have been able to navigate both the highs and lows of this journey.

2. What is the ethos of the Ukhuni/The Lobby brand?

We focus on delivering well-manufactured products while ensuring that we build strong partnerships with our clients. Our goal is to make the entire experience— from purchase to installation and after-sales service— as hassle-free as possible.

3. What drives you?

Every morning, I feel grateful for the opportunity to positively impact my little corner of the world. I’m also deeply committed to every effort we make each day to build our brand and uphold a strong reputation.

4. Could you please share some of your proudest milestones in the industry?

The launch of the Skala desking system in 2000 was a game-changer for the South African industry, with over 200,000 units sold.

One of my favourite moments each year is our annual awards ceremony, where we recognize staff members for their 5, 10, 15, 20, and even 25 years of service. Watching this list grow is incredibly rewarding, especially knowing the trust our team has placed in Ukhuni and in me. It’s fulfilling to see how we’ve been able to make a positive impact on their lives and the lives of their families.

5. Please share some of the challenges you have faced throughout the years and how you have overcome them.

When we first started, we had to build our reputation from the ground up, which required patience and perseverance. Convincing clients to trust us with their projects often meant showing up consistently, even for small tasks like delivering a shelf or making a repair, until they began to see our commitment and reliability.

As the industry has faced challenges—lower margins, rising costs, and the influx of inferior materials—accelerated by the changes brought on by COVID-19—we’ve had to pivot. This has involved investing in the development of new products and exploring alternative revenue streams.

This journey demands significant time, often scarce, along with cash flow management, navigating failures, and keeping our team motivated. While these challenges make daily operations tougher, they have also strengthened our business and ensured our long-term sustainability.

6. What can you tell us about your latest collections?

We have recently launched the Lobby, which specializes in manufacturing both standard and customized furnishings for the hotel, hospitality, and conferencing sectors. Our operations extend across Africa and the Indian Ocean islands.

In addition, we are set to introduce a new modular workplace system designed to adapt to the evolving office landscape, with more details to come. This launch is scheduled for January 2025.

We’re also excited about our Krede range of ergonomic task seating, which prioritizes comfort and support for all users.

Contact:Ukhuni