Inside the KSA: An Exclusive Interview with Stephanie Forbes on Raising Standards in SA’s Kitchen Industry

Stephanie Forbes, National Manager of the KSA

In an industry where trust, craftsmanship, and credibility are paramount, the Kitchen Specialists Association (KSA)stands as a vital pillar supporting both professionals and consumers in South Africa’s kitchen sector. As the only industry body representing kitchen manufacturers, suppliers, and installers, the KSA plays a central role in upholding standards, resolving disputes, and driving growth through training, advocacy, and innovation.

We sat down with Stephanie Forbes, National Manager of the KSA, to gain insight into the association’s ongoing initiatives, the value of membership, and how it is helping shape the future of the South African kitchen industry. With years of experience and a passion for empowering both businesses and homeowners, Stephanie offers a candid look at the challenges, opportunities, and the KSA’s vision for the road ahead.

Whether you’re a kitchen professional, a consumer considering a renovation, or simply interested in the evolving landscape of South African interiors, this interview offers valuable insights into why the KSA matters—and how it continues to make a difference.

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1. What are the key benefits for companies that become KSA members?

Like any membership, the KSA is only as beneficial as you make it. If you make use of the toolbox of resources we supply and actively participate, the benefits are substantial. But we’re not the Sugar Plum Fairy—we can’t wave a magic wand and deliver instant ROI. You need to put in the work too.

That said, for me, the most important benefits include the ability to demonstrate your credibility and ethics as a company in an objective and visible way. Membership shows consumers that you provide tangible assistance if mistakes are made, which is a powerful selling tool.

Our dispute mediation services, sanctioned by the NCC, can save members substantial legal costs and also help recover funds that may otherwise have been written off.

Our Holding Account is another powerful resource. It provides a safe space for negotiating payment terms, setting up drawers, and holding disputed funds during mediation—reassuring for both clients and members.

KSA’s active involvement with SAFI in tackling skills shortages, illegal imports, and exploring new export opportunities adds further value.

We also offer valuable networking and training opportunities. Through our collaboration with the IID—and by extension, SACAP—we ensure access to industry professionals and the delivery of CPD-accredited training and talks.

Our platforms give members the opportunity to showcase their work, market their services, advertise for staff, and share insights and advice with consumers.

Finally, we keep members up to date on legislative changes, industry standards, challenges, and norms.

2. How does the KSA ensure that its members maintain high standards?

The KSA is not an elitist organisation—we support members serving all budget levels. What we insist on is that no matter the client’s budget, they receive the best possible kitchen for their money.

Showrooms are vital. Every KSA kitchen company must have a showroom where clients can assess the quality they can expect. We encourage members to work with KSA-registered suppliers to ensure quality, warranties, and accountability.

We also provide documentation detailing acceptable industry tolerances, and members are held to these standards.

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3. Can you explain the vetting process for new members?

Applicants must prove legal compliance: VAT registration, legal company registration, and compliance with other statutory obligations such as Workman’s Compensation and Bargaining Council registration.

We review their T&Cs to ensure Consumer Protection Act (CPA) compliance and confirm their warranties also meet CPA requirements. Kitchen companies must provide at least a one-year warranty (excluding wear and tear or abuse).

We conduct an Accountability Check on the company and its directors. The business must have been trading stably for at least three years and be in good standing within the industry.

Kitchen members must have a showroom, and surface fabricators must have a properly tooled factory.

4. How does the KSA handle cases where a member breaches the Code of Ethics?

We require clear evidence of impropriety. Depending on the nature of the breach, the member will be called to answer before the National Executive Committee.

Sanctions range from a formal warning to suspension or even expulsion from the association.

5. What differentiates a KSA-accredited kitchen company from a non-member?

We’re not suggesting non-member companies are untrustworthy. However, KSA membership speaks volumes. It means:

a) The company is held accountable by an NCC-accredited, objective body
b) It follows a formal Code of Ethics and Conduct
c) It offers clients free mediation in case of disputes
d) It actively supports industry improvements and solutions through the KSA

6. How does KSA help protect consumers during a kitchen renovation?

If your kitchen company is a KSA member, you have free access to our support at any stage—even if it’s just to ask a question.

If a dispute arises, the consumer can download the required documentation from our website. Once submitted, we ask the member for a formal response. Where possible, we resolve issues without a site inspection. If needed, we arrange a formal inspection involving the client, member, and KSA-appointed experts. A trained and certified mediator will also attend.

We assess deviations from the signed quote/drawings, and quality concerns, and compare them against KSA guidelines and showroom standards.

A report is issued outlining any required corrective action and timelines. Before a site inspection, outstanding funds must be placed in our Holding Account to ensure both parties engage in good faith.

We aim to ensure the client receives a completed quality kitchen and the member receives any funds fairly owed. KSA will address legitimate disputes within the warranty period, excluding wear and tear or abuse.

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7. What should a homeowner look for when choosing a kitchen company, and how does KSA support that decision?

a) Showrooms are essential. Photos are not enough—you need to touch and feel what you’re investing in. A showroom also signifies that the company has invested in itself and is traceable.
b) Verify the company exists. Don’t be swayed by flashy websites. Check their reputation online and confirm their legitimacy with the KSA.
c) Match budget to supplier. Don’t approach a company that only does R500,000 kitchens if your budget is R120,000.
d) Shop around. Engage multiple companies with your brief, even if it means paying for consultations.
e) Be transparent about your budget. If the designer doesn’t know your budget, they can’t propose suitable options.

8. In the event of a dispute with a KSA member, what steps should a consumer take?

Visit www.ksa.co.za and download the dispute registration paperwork. Submit the completed forms, along with quotes/contracts, drawings, and other relevant documentation to your regional office:

• Gauteng: gauteng@ksa.co.za

• Western Cape: westerncape@ksa.co.za

• KZN, Eastern Cape & Garden Route: kzn@ksa.co.za

9. What initiatives is KSA currently working on to uplift the kitchen industry?

• Planning the Cape Town Industry Showcase with CPD talks in partnership with the IID.

• Reviewing entries for the Student Kitchen Design Project (18 campuses participating). Top students win internships with members—often leading to job offers.

• Collaborating with SAFI on addressing skills shortages. We’ve received approval from SETA and QCTO to develop formal qualifications for kitchen design and installation.

• Addressing under-declaration and illegal imports in the furniture industry and exploring export market opportunities.

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10. How does the KSA support ongoing professional development?

We provide ongoing education via webinars and CPD talks, often in partnership with the IID. Topics include:

• Stone fabrication for designers

• Managing JBCC contracts

• AI in the kitchen industry

• Overcoming design block

• Kitchen design for the neurodivergent

• Export best practices into Africa

• Collaboration between kitchen and interior design professionals

We also assist members in developing their own CPD events and training.

11. Are there mentorship or apprenticeship programs under KSA?

Currently, our Student Kitchen Design Project offers limited mentorship and internship opportunities. However, with the development of new qualifications, we hope to expand formal mentorship and outreach programs.

12. What are the biggest challenges facing the South African kitchen industry?

• Skilled labour shortage across design, installation, and manufacturing

• Informal sector competition, which undercuts prices but offers no accountability

• Cheap and undeclared imports, making it hard to remain competitive

13. Have consumer preferences changed in recent years?

Yes—though SA tends to follow European trends with a slight delay. Post-pandemic, we’ve seen a shift:

• From high gloss to super matt finishes

• Increased use of pocket doors to conceal mess

• Transformation of sculleries into butler’s pantries

More notably, consumer attitudes have shifted. Clients are now more informed and assertive about their rights.

14. How is KSA adapting to new technologies and design innovations?

While the KSA itself doesn’t need to adapt, our members do. The industry keeps up with trends well, but consumer hesitation around cost and novelty can delay adoption. Many innovations are still limited to high-income markets.

15. Where do you see KSA in five years?

I hope to see continued growth, greater training capacity, and full rollout of the designer and installer qualifications—including recognition of prior learning. Ideally, KSA will play a leading role in addressing skills shortages and enhancing export readiness.

16. Is the KSA expanding beyond South Africa?

Yes—slowly. We’ve launched an International Membership for companies outside SA. We’ve already welcomed our first members from Namibia and Botswana, and we continue to publicise the opportunity.

17. How is KSA increasing awareness of its role?

We use targeted social media and Google Ads campaigns to reach both consumers and professionals. We also host numerous CPD events to introduce the KSA to new audiences.

18. Does KSA collaborate with other industry bodies?

Yes. We have a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with the IID, and by extension, SACAP. We are fully accredited by the National Consumer Commission, and we employ mediators certified by the South African Board of Mediators.

19. What role do suppliers and fabricators play in the KSA?

A vital one. Our supplier members help us deliver training, talks, and networking events. Their involvement allows us to ensure quality and accountability down the entire supply chain—from materials to installation.

20. How important is collaboration across the kitchen value chain?

Collaboration is essential—not just for efficiency, but also for innovation and growth. We encourage our members to work ethically and cooperatively, and we mirror this by partnering with associations, companies, and government to deliver meaningful value to the industry.

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Contact: KSA