Dipuo Phakathi is taking her small business to new heights with the support of the NEF.
Driven by a passion for home improvements, Dipuo Phakathi transformed her love for interior design into a cabinet-making business.
As the owner and founder of Denic Cabinets, she specialises in designing, manufacturing, and installing customised kitchen units and built-in cupboards for residential, retail, and corporate clients.
“After previously working in the mining and banking sectors, I decided to pursue my lifelong dream of home improvements through my company,” she said.
While the Sandton-based business officially launched in 2019, the idea first came to her in 2016 while she was renovating her own home.
“I was renovating my home and grew frustrated by the lack of a personalised approach from the companies I consulted when re-designing my closet. This motivated me to start a business that would address the problems I had experienced,” she explained.
Her passion for home improvements and interior design, nurtured from a young age, further spurred her on.
“Growing up, I was passionate about home improvements and interior spaces. My background as an engineer has given me a strong foundation in design, processes, and manufacturing.”
Phakathi is a metallurgical engineer, a discipline focused on transforming metals into useful everyday products.
Design Process
In a recent interview with Vuk’uzenzele, Phakathi described the design process as a collaborative journey. It begins with a comprehensive consultation during which clients share their needs and preferences.
“We develop initial concepts in three-dimensional designs to provide clients with a visual representation of the final product,” she explained.
Denic Cabinets’ focus on quality, creative design, and bespoke solutions has attracted high-profile clients, including leading property developers and prominent South African celebrities.
Initially self-funded, Denic Cabinets recently secured a R2.7 million investments from the National Empowerment Fund (NEF). The funding, used to acquire advanced machinery, is set to boost production, reduce delivery times, and enable the company to take on larger contracts.
With the new equipment, Denic Cabinets plans to increase production capacity from four kitchen units per month to seven, while also enhancing product quality and operational efficiency.
The NEF’s investment aligns with Denic Cabinets’ vision of becoming a leading supplier in both the residential and commercial cabinetry markets.
Phakathi added that the funding has come at an ideal time, enabling the company to expand operations and meet growing demand.
“We are excited about the new machinery, which will improve production efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and help us serve even more clients—from high-end residential customers to large retailers and property developers.
This investment will significantly enhance our ability to scale the business,” she said.
The company currently employs 12 people.
For more information about Denic Cabinets contact Dipuo
Phakathi on 066 540 9493 Email: info@denic-cabinets.co.za
Website: www.denic-cabinets.co.za
The NEF can be reached on www.nefcorp.co.za and 0861 843 633
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