3. Mokete "Max" Lebethe & EME Deco Designs

Over seventeen years ago, Mokete started out his business as a hobby, but soon realized the potential of the hobby as a sustainable business. He serves B2B and B2C customers such as individuals and night clubs amongst others. He currently operates two busy workspaces along the same street, each contributing to his thriving furniture business. The first outlet is a compact, eye-catching stall located at a busy corner, where passersby can see beautifully crafted couches displayed in a tight but inviting space. This outlet serves as the entrance to an upstairs showroom—a hidden gem filled with furniture pieces designed and created by Mokete and his talented team. The showroom feels like a treasure trove of craftsmanship, showcasing stunning couches, armchairs, and custom designs that merge modern aesthetics with functional comfort.

A short walk away is Mokete's second workspace, the heart of his operation: the manufacturing site. The workshop is filled with creativity and craftsmanship, dedicated to manufacturing and reupholstering couches. Inside the spacious workshop, the hum of industrial sewing machines fills the air as skilled workers expertly stitch together high-quality fabrics. Rows of wooden frames, foam cushions, and vibrant upholstery materials are stacked and scattered, ready to be transformed into sleek, comfortable couches.

Mokethe’s main challenges include bookkeeping and marketing, as he relies on word of mouth to get customers. The combination of Mokete’s perfectionism and the worker’s attention to detail and precision ensures that every couch, whether newly manufactured or lovingly restored, meets the highest standards of comfort and durability. His vision is to transfer his skills to other unemployed youth so that they can create sustainable livelihoods for themselves through this craft.