At TheUrbanative, design is a vessel for cultural storytelling and responsible making. The ‘Akaya’ Lounge Chair — meaning home in Xitsonga — is a signature piece from the award-winning Homecoming Collection. It explores the concepts of belonging and warmth through the lens of African vernacular architecture and geometric patterns.

For this auction, the Akaya is presented in a unique collaboration with local textile designer Kristin Hulda. The upholstery features Hulda’s Ndebele-inspired ‘Labyrinth’ pattern, bringing hand-painted brushwork and a bold graphic language into direct dialogue with the chair's structural form. This convergence of Xitsonga nomenclature and Ndebele-inspired visuals reflects the vibrant diversity of South Africa, celebrating how different cultural identities can coexist and inform one another within a shared contemporary design language.

Crafted with a durable steel frame and a functional stained ash timber side table, the Akaya is designed for longevity. It represents an ongoing commitment to local collaboration and circular design principles, inviting the sitter to find a moment of pause and a sense of ‘home’ within the landscape.

Upcoming Editorial Coverage: Following the Gala, this historic design collection will be featured digitally in both VISI and SA Homeowner. These dedicated editorial pieces will explore the design process, philosophy, and environmental stewardship behind the creation of these three singular seats, cementing their place within the narrative of contemporary African design.

Founded by Mpho Vackier (b. 1980 Free State, South Africa), TheUrbanative is a multi-award-winning contemporary African furniture and product design company. With a background in metallurgical engineering, Vackier brings a unique technical precision to her creative process. Her work is characterised by the juxtaposition of abstracted African cultural motifs with mid-century modern silhouettes.

‍

TheUrbanative’s pieces have been exhibited at prestigious platforms including Design Miami, Maison&Objet in Paris, and the Cape Town Guild Gallery. In 2019, Vackier was named the Maison&Objet Designer of the Year for Africa, cementing her role as a leading voice in the Modern African design movement. Through TheUrbanative, she continues to advocate for design that is socially conscious, culturally relevant, and deeply rooted in the stories of the continent.