There are many theories and works of art that attempt to explore what African art and African civilisations would look like if natural evolution and progression had taken place instead of colonisation and Western-influenced modernisation. For Tshidzo Mangena, the industrial designer and founder of Locha Design Studio, this was the initial spark that would inform his design style. ‘I was having a conversation with Haldane Martin,’ he says. ‘I was sharing my thoughts and struggles with the term “African design”, and we were trying to define my particular aesthetic and way of working. When he said,
“It’s Afro avant-garde,” it resonated with me because I always strive to experiment with and interrogate what African design is today, uninterrupted and unafraid. I try to design from a place of fantasy and freedom rather than relying solely on tradition and heritage. My pieces seek to remind us of who we are as Africans: advanced, sophisticated and cutting-edge.’
Tshidzo embraces both traditional woodwork processes and current technologies such as 3D printing and CNC methods to realise this. His best-known works are the Phofolo and Kigali chairs, the latter of which was exhibited at Cape Town Furniture Week earlier this year. ‘With both chairs, the inspiration became apparent after being designed. When I looked at the Phofolo chair, I chuckled. I grew up in Hazyview near the Kruger National Park and was always fascinated by the beautiful creatures that roam our land, and the lines of the chair reminded me of the majestic impala. It’s an animal that many of us share last names and clan names with, so it was only fitting to honour them.’
The Kigali chair, on the other hand, was an exploration of Brutalist design, featuring monolithic and geometric shapes. It was only when Tshidzo made the prototype that the strength of the design came to life for him. ‘I decided then that I wanted to design my chairs after cities or people groups in Africa as a way of introducing people to our beautiful continent.’ He landed on Kigali, naming it after the capital city of Rwanda.
‘They’re people who have survived a horrific genocide and have rebuilt with uncommon resilience. Kigali in particular is very modern, very African. It’s vibrant, cosmopolitan and impossible to forget. It was another perfect fit.’
Furniture design isn’t Tshidzo’s first foray into the creative space: for over two decades, he had a successful career as a painter. ‘I taught myself how to paint with [every medium] from charcoal and pastels to acrylics and oils. Before I knew it, I was showcasing in small galleries and was eventually having solo exhibitions and being collected by big corporations and private clients. But when I was 39, I felt there was still something missing,’ he says. ‘I prayed about it and felt it was time for me to do something about this lifelong dream that I thought was too late to pursue.’
He applied for the Industrial Design course at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), with the full support of his wife, a scientist and fellow creative, who he describes as his best critic. ‘She has an eye for the small details and she will never let me off the hook. No matter how exhausting or taxing the task, she persistently holds me to a very high standard. We’ve spent sleepless nights pushing deadlines, sanding, staining or figuring out dovetail joints. She is both my best friend and a great partner to work with.’
The couple moved to Cape Town in January 2020, just a few weeks before the lockdown. The financial strain thereof was intense, but they persevered. Tshidzo completed his studies in record time, being among the top of his class. ‘After graduating, I purchased woodworking machines (thanks to a family member’s financial backing) and started making furniture. It has been both challenging and rewarding.
We’ve had a couple of steep learning curves, but the key word is “learning”. That’s the name of the game. I believe that we have a unique and distinct style that has been well-received by the market. We also have great interest overseas, which we are looking to capitalise through participation in international design shows.’
International expos aside, what’s next on Locha Design Studio and Tshidzo’s agenda? Following their showcase of chairs and accessories at the 100% Design Africa show at Decorex this past July, their new range of outdoor furniture is now available, having launched in September.
Credits
Text by Buntu Ngcuka
Images: Ricardo Simal
This article was originally published in the House & Garden November 2025 Issue
