How We Help
Thru the chair is an initiative founded with the ideology of contributing significantly towards solving the current educational challenges in Southern Africa. The initiative aims to expose 1000 unique individuals by telling 1000 visual stories through 1000 reinvented chairs which will be auctioned to Chair of boards resulting in 1000 opportunities to make a difference.
- Promote storytelling and design thinking to solve problems
- Communicating constructively to unite people and bring about change
- Activating individuals and groups to illicit empathy and action within our communities
- Providing a platform to raise funds to solve the education needs in Southern Africa

2018 Featured Chairs Download full brochure
Thru The Chair collaborated with the Inscape students at their Cape Town, Durban, Midrand, and Pretoria campuses. The students were the first group of individuals to take part in a Thru the Chair event. The students collected over 600 old broken chairs and in March 2018 over a couple of days, the students engaged in storytelling workshops where they learnt how to craft a meaningful story about themselves, shared this with their peers and in the process learnt about each other. The ‘workshop’ provoked empathy for one another and a unifying of a diverse student body. The developed stories were then applied to the old broken chairs in the process of reinventing the good for nothing chairs that had been collected.
We are proud to exhibit the top reinvented chairs that have been selected to be auctioned at charity events in November 2018 by Thru The Chair. Influential people have been invited to ‘take a seat around the table of education’ and contribute towards making a difference in our country by participating in the auctions. Target prices have been noted as an indication of how much we wish to raise to effect our highlighted beneficiaries that include tertiary scholarship students and improvements for community schools.
We thank the students who have exposed themselves through their own personal stories to contribute to the betterment of others and our country.
Auction 2018 - Featured Chairs

DESIGN WIZARDS
By: Dihandre MeyerAn effort to balance multiple concerns.

OUTSIDER
By: Anja OosthuizenI was raised by my dad who was not my dad from birth. I am different from the others. I met my dad when I was 11. I am lucky to have a big family and lots of people to love me.

BEDSIDE TABLE (NEW YORK STYLE)
By: Annelize du venagePeople inspire me. I imagine New York is full of people who live in small spaces and are trendy. I want to be one of the people in New York.

BLURRED LINES
By: Braden Van Der WaltI am gay but that does not define me.

MOVING FORWARD
By: Bradley HendricksFear holds me back. I am learning to take risks.

THE CLOUD
By: Brittany Van HeerdenI lost my dad to cancer. He taught me to be honest.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING
By: CALLUM ROWLANDSBeing held against one's will. Human trafficking.

VIOLATED
By: Chane BeukesI have been violated beyond repair. Haunted by the memories and tortured by the horrid thought that most of the perpetrators roam free scavenging for the next weakling to sink their teeth into.

ALPHAS
By: Cornel Du ToitI am diabetic. I deal with my condition through music.

ABSOLUTE (GLASS ARTWORK)
By: Daveron AdamsMy life is a constant attempt to see a situation from all angles.

BICYCLE RACK
By: Derek KotzéI fear being unproductive. I need a reminder to stay mobile.

ANTI-CLOCKWISE
By: Dimitri KarkuliasMy whole life I was bullied. I cannot change that.

CONTROLLED CHAOS
By: Jade CaplanI hide the chaos in my head through the mask that I wear.

VARDA
By: Juané Van der WaltMy story is a series of curved roads and whirlpools. I am my best companion. I am me. Society will not change me.

NATURE'S MASK
By: Kano GoertzMy life is a battle between pretentious beings and nature.

WOMANHOOD
By: Katherine GardinerHer complexity, strength, weaknesses and beauty all constitute to her nature. She makes me want to thrive to be a more respectable human being everyday. To be tender, yet stay grounded and powerful. To be humble, yet confident and proud. To use these qualities to my advantage and progress in whatever situation I find myself in. My mom.

GIRAFFE
By: Liam JordaanI am inspired by nature. I am South African.

NDEBELE
By: Mbalenhle MchunuMy African friends are ashamed of their cultural heritage. I am not.

NOSTALGIA
By: Megon MarshallI remember a carefree childhood. No stress. No worries. My younger brother was my best friend. Now we hardly speak.

SEESAW
By: MELISSA FOURIEI witness greed. The excessive wealth of a select few is ridiculous.

POOR RELATIONS
By: Michaela SwartzI am determined to walk my own path

RAVEN
By: Natasja KrugerThe teachers reported; quiet but remains positive. I was alone. My escape, music.

STRUGGLE TO LOVE
By: NICKI FOURIEI have learnt to love and accept myself. Even my percevied faulty characteristics.

MY SAFE PLACE
By: Nicoline BeukesI don’t like people inside of my safe space. It must be isolated.

PADDED CHAIR
By: Nosihle MangweI fought with my mother for buying me the wrong brand of sanitary pads. She cried. She grew up without sanitary pads.

BOOK SEAT
By: Rene VeldmanI can only do so much with the things I have seen. I choose to embrace or let go.

COMING OUT OF THE CLOSET
By: Ricardo De AbreuI let myself free. I own the closet and every accessory inside it.

MUSIC IS MY REFUGE
By: Shivali SinghI grieve the loss of someone close. I go on with life. Someone notices.

LIFE AND DEATH
By: THEO SMITMy journey is a story of memories and events and bumps and bruises.

BODY INSECURITIES
By: Tyann RobertEvery day I wake up and I prepare for war, I prepare for the daily battle that my life has become. A never ending battle between myself and my body. I suffer from bulimia.

SAT UPON
By: Willie BadenhorstI gave in to my parent's dream for my future.

SEAT CITY
By: Xandri Jansen van RensburgI let my mind take flight

SHIFTING THE MINDSET (FEARFUL DESCRIMINATION(
By: Zandri JacksonI feel like I live in a prison. A prison of my own skin. Where people judge me, before they know my full story. I am white.

RUSTIC DOLPHIN
By: Daniele van NiekerkLife is a process of finding yourself. I am on the journey.

TRIANGULAR BUILD UP
By: Bianca StockelMy life is a connection of pieces and gaps.

DNA
By: Aisling GroenewaldI owe it to my parents to realise my purpose and escape mediocrity.

STAND UP
By: Anel Van NiekerkMy father passed away when I was 15 years old. My heart was broken. I put my broken pieces together and learnt to live life again.

BREAKING STEREOTYPES
By: Arshad DeanI am South African. I challenge the concept that South Africans are badly educated.

THE MANDELA CHAIR
By: Gerda HansenI grew up on a farm being encouraged and comforted where 90% of the language spoken was not my mother tongue, Afrikaans. This experience taught me that culture matters less when we all speak a common language, of love and support for each other.

GROWTH AND SECOND CHANCES
By: Jordan BuhrsMy life has been inspired by my mom and my family. Sacrifices and growth. Challenges and second chances.

AFRICAN STOOL
By: Lerato KhalemaI am a product of the sacrifices my parents made.

CHANGE
By: Marike HattinghLife does change.

SPITFIRE CHAIR
By: Mathew MetcalfI am encouraged to reignite the positive aspects from my past.

THE JOURNEY
By: Nthabiseng MotaungI am proud to be a Sotho female. I value my culture and traditions. I am free and comfortable in my skin.

TOODLETHUMBS
By: Rosalynne MafulakoI sometimes feel static. I move towards my goals, firmly seated.

LOST AND FOUND
By: Tatum ZimmermannGrowing up I always felt like I didn’t fit in. Now I am pleased to stand out.

THE GLUTES
By: Tiledi MalatjiI have Congolese friends.

THE WALKING SHIELD
By: Ruan Van ZylI was born with Hirtchprung disease. I survived 13 operations before I was 6 months old. I discovered sport. I have finished every race that I have entered. I am a survivor.

STOMPIE
By: Aeryn McewenI see the world differently. I look for the finer detail and hidden messages.

ROUTE 66 LIGHT AND SIDE TABLE
By: Alicia du ToitNothingness inspires me. Wide open spaces are breath taking.

SITTING DRAGON
By: Calvin GinsbergI am out of the ordinary. It is ok.

CONVERTER
By: Carlof MinnaarI recognise my heritage. I appreciate that I must adapt to new environments without destroying my past.

PERSPECTIVE CHAIR
By: Lujane Blomerus & Shireen Govender - Watz’Weh DesignsWe see and are seen simultaneously. Perceptions are best understood when we switch them actively.

PROGRESS
By: Matthew MeyerAs a child, I was surrounded by conflict. My success is a choice.

HIDDEN STRENGTH
By: Mirna De VosI may appear to be weak or broken. I am functional.

GREEN AURA
By: Mirna De VosI have a ruined past with potential to change and grow.

DON'T CONFUSE MY KINDNESS WITH WEAKNESS
By: Nadia StormI just want peace. It is in my DNA. Even if you are rude to me, I will be kind.

THE UMPA CHAIR
By: Neville PhilpottMy safe space is my imagination. I love the fluffiness of my chair.

FANTASY
By: Sasha-lee CurlewisI shield myself from anyone and everything that causes me harm.

HERITAGE
By: Daniel MoyaneI am everything that had come before me. I am everything that will exist one day. I am the voice of the Soul. I am Heritage.
Our Partners
Thru the chair has sought out strategic partnerships that will best align with the vision, mission, and objectives of the NPC. The success of the initiative requires winning alliances who will make a meaningful difference and ensure genuine change.
Thru the chair and its partners believe in the importance of education as a vital tool for securing the future prosperity of communities and for the long-term sustainability and success of our country.







Belgotex
Belgotex designs, manufacture and delivers quality floors that endure the speed of life. The company has, over the last 35 years, built a reputation as sustainable pioneers in flooring solutions, by innovation far beyond the product itself.
Involvement in the project: Sponsored the ‘Re-invent A Chair workshop’ and pledged a contribution that will go towards bursaries for young, aspiring designers needing financial aid to complete a course at Inscape.
AGM
AGM Inc, is a locally owned boutique firm which renders consulting and legal services. It was established in 2013 as a truly South African business in order to gain expedited access to a client base which pays increasing cognizance to true leadership and innovation in a modern environment.
Involvement in the project: Legal support and directorship (stewardship).
Decorex
Decorex SA, South Africa’s premier décor, design and lifestyle exhibition showcases in three cities – Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg. The décor and design industry’s leading and most trusted brand was founded in 1994 and continues to play a pivitol role in shaping the industry.
Involvement in the project: Decorex has committed to sponsoring a generous sized exhibition space at this years show. They have also assisted by promoting with their marketing platforms as well as directing other exhibitors towards the brand. Decorex have pledged to be a partner with Thru The Chair for the next three years and helping to grow awareness of the brand through exhibiting at the shows. The aim is to have the Thru The Chair exhibits in all three cities by next year.
JGM
JGM Agency, provide a fresh, innovative and creative approach to marketing. Our success is backed by over 20 years’ experience, combined with an impressive portfolio of local and internationally recognized clients.
Involvement in the project: Developing the Thru The Chair website.
MA Publishing
MA PUBLISHING is a professional bespoke publishing company. MA Publishing, its editorial staff, and creative team are renowned for not only producing publications which are the leaders in their fields but are also able to offer clients additional services which include graphic design, branding, advertising and campaign development.
Involvement: Sponsored Thru The Chair Business cards and sourced discount for the printing of brochures.
Inscape
Inscape was established in 1981 as the first creative and multi-disciplinary design institution in South Africa. We specialize in the creative and design industries, built environment, business and communication, and digital technology-driven education offering expert integration to that end. We place great emphasis on our people and their personal development within the microcosm. Our core values; Quality, Authenticity, and Relationships drive us to grow, improve and make a difference in everything we do. The organization has experienced significant growth since its inception and now extends its ethos and offering internationally.
Involvement in the project: Inscape students at the Cape Town, Durban, Midrand and Pretoria campuses were the first group of individuals to take part in a Thru the Chair event. The students collected over 600 old broken chairs and engaged in storytelling workshops where they learnt how to craft a meaningful story about themselves. The developed stories were then applied to the old broken chairs in the process of reinventing them.
Citadel
Citadel offers specialized advice and services to individuals who are looking for strategic guidance and planning in the giving of their wealth.At Citadel, we partner with you to help you reach your remarkable. We get to know you, and understand your goals. Your investment temperament is carefully matched to your advisor’s. Then, we work out a roadmap together.
Involvement in the project: Citadel is the main sponsor for all Thru The Chair events and has committed to managing funds received by the NPC and issuing section 18a certificates as required.