Capitec elevates the Decorex ‘Soft Life’ by connecting local makers and small businesses with new opportunities.
For South Africa's emerging entrepreneurs, access is everything. At Decorex 2026, Capitec is making a difference in the lives of local makers, designers and small business owners through the Capitec Design Market, placing them in front of thousands of homeowners, design professionals and industry tastemakers who can help take their businesses to the next level.
Taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 25 to 28 June and at the Sandton Convention Centre from 30 July to 2 August, Decorex is Africa’s leading design and lifestyle exhibition. This year’s theme, “The Soft Life”, celebrates living well, creativity, innovation and aspirational lifestyles.
Capitec Design Market, a curated showcase of local makers, artisans, designers and entrepreneurs will provide small businesses with a platform to connect directly witxh consumers, interior designers, architects, media and industry decision-makers, helping them grow their brands and expand their reach, ultimately enabling these entrepreneurs to thrive.
Visitors attending Cape Town’s Decorex can discover a carefully selected collection of South African brands and creators, including Life and Death Art Gallery, Cape Masai, Cocoon South Africa, Darling Sweet, Rio Largo Olive Estate and WDN Works. From handcrafted goods and artisanal food products to contemporary design and homeware, the Capitec Design Market brings together the smaller brands, makers and discoveries that make South Africa's creative economy so vibrant.
“Small businesses play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and shaping South Africa’s future at the heart of this growth are real people’s lives that are changed. Through the Capitec Design Market, we are creating meaningful opportunities for entrepreneurs to access new clients, build lasting networks and showcase their products in a premium environment,” says Francois Viviers, Group Executive: Marketing and Client Experience at Capitec. The partnership creates visibility for entrepreneurs who may not traditionally have access to large-scale platforms, while giving visitors the opportunity to interact with innovative local brands and discover products that enrich their homes and lifestyles.
The partnership with Decorex, reflects what South Africans do every day – striving towards a ‘soft life’, working towards creating better lives for their families and communities. This reflects Capitec’s commitment to creating access for South Africans, whether through home ownership or business banking solutions that help entrepreneurs thrive. By bringing together conversations around access to home ownership and better businesses, Capitec is demonstrating how financial solutions can support people at every stage of their growth journey.
Francois Viviers will participate in the Decorex Future Talks panel discussion on Saturday, 27 June at 13:00 joining creators, Makomborera Mutezo founder of The Hungry Mute as well as Angelique Marais, an interior designer and Chelsea Horn, architect from Tusk Studio, to discuss entrepreneurship, innovation and the future of South Africa’s creative economy.
