Amukelani Mathebula

“The Hue Man design competition gave me an opportunity to research and learn more about my own cultural heritage. The process was not easy but it was driven by an interest in wanting to incorporate my self identity in design.

My idea consists of two furniture pieces that were inspired by a South African Bantu culture. Tsonga is an indigenous tribe of people dispersed throughout the north and north eastern parts of Southern Africa. The Tsonga people are mostly described as a vibrant and energetic group with very interesting traditional customs.

My idea is presented in the form of a table and a light fixture. The collection is called the Xigaza collection. The collection drew inspiration from the Tsonga culture's traditional attire, music, dance and art. I took elements from all of these aspects of the culture to come to the final design.”
-Amukelani Mathebula

Click here to view Amukelani’s Round 2 portfolio.