Page 28 - Designing Ways 258

INTERVIEW

Young Durban creative receives award for being 2022's most
prominent new voice in the design world

Interview with Siviwe Jali

iviwe Jali, a finalist of Nando’s Hot uMugqa Studio in 2018. With a clear line
Lights and bench by Nando’s HYD 2020 finalist Siviwe Young Designer (HYD) Talent Search (uMugqa means line in isiZulu) drawn
Jali of uMugqa Studio. Nokhanya lights are a collabora- between identifying a problem and
tion with Ashanti Design and the Cupisa bench is made S2020, was recently awarded the Best
by Pedersen + Lennard. New Talent prize at Decorex Cape Town solving it, uMugqa Studio aims to put
Pattern by Nando’s HYD 2018 finalist Zinhle Sithebe, 2022 for being the most prominent new functional, social design on a pedestal.
painted by Ilukuluku Collective.
Stand design and concept by Tracy Lynch of Clout/SA voice in the design world. Jali’s work formed We asked Jali some questions about
Photograph by Justin Patrick
part of an exhibition of past and current his design process, where he gets his
designs by the various finalists and winners inspiration and what’s up next.
of HYD since its inception in 2016.
Clout/SA’s director, Tracy Lynch, Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.
curated the bold, eclectic retrospective A: Well, my name is Siviwe Jali and I
exhibition at 100% Design Africa, which am an Industrial designer from Durban.
was co-located within Decorex Africa An extroverted introvert, design nerd and
Reimagined at the CTICC in Cape coffee connoisseur. I grew up in Durban
Town. Many of these pieces, including for most of my life, where I spent most of
Jali’s three, were brought to life through my childhood at the beach and running
collaborations between emerging around with my friends getting up to
designers and established designers mischief. My hobbies include reading,
and makers initiated by Clout/SA. Jali’s listening to music and podcasts, watching
pieces include Nokhanya Lights, Ntsimbi movies, and designing and making
server and Cupisa bench. The lights are things. I can’t sit still – always tinkering
a collaboration with Ashanti Design, and doing something.
the server was brought to life with the
assistance of TanDesignSA and the bench Q How did you get started in design?
is made by Pedersen + Lennard. A: I was always interested in arts and
Jali founded the Durban-based crafts as a kid, but the spark really started
industrial and product design consultancy in primary school when my older sister

28 Issue 258 • dw