My work is built on the idea that products are a reflection of the history, culture, and traditions that produce them. I approach design as a way of capturing and translating these layers into physical form, where each object becomes more than a functional item. It becomes a cultural artefact that carries memory, meaning, and context.

Through furniture design and manufacturing, I explore how everyday materials and familiar cultural references can be reinterpreted into contemporary objects. I aim to create work that is both usable and reflective, allowing people to engage with African narratives in a tangible lived experience.

I am interested in the tension between tradition and modernity, and how cultural objects can be reinterpreted through new materials, processes, and systems of production. Collections such as Sangu, inspired by the traditional African grass mat, reflect this approach by transforming everyday heritage into sculptural furniture that carries both function and meaning.

Through NETA Studio, I am building a practice that positions African design within contemporary global discourse while remaining firmly rooted in place, memory, and material culture. The mediums I work in are not merely visual mediums but powerful tools for storytelling and cultural preservation; integrating modern technology with my design philosophy of: Nothing Else To Add on every project.

Achievements

Winner of the 2026 PRODUCT DESIGN / Furniture & Lighting
for the Sangu Collection at the inaugural
Africa International Design Awards - 2026

Top 50 Entrepreneurs, Creation Africa Programme,
French Institute of South Africa - 2026

One of the Top 5 Contestants,
Engen The Making Of - 2025

ERA Representative, Cannes Lions Festival
of Creativity, (ERA) Programme - 2025

Best Poetry Broadcast, Nomination,
in the SLAM Awards International - 2024

Winner, Nando’s Hot Young
Designer Talent Search - 2020

Campaign Contributor,
Vodacom Youth Month - 2019

Self-Published Author:
Seeds, A Township Monologue - 2015

Featured in major publications, including:
House and Leisure, SA Home Owner,
and VISI Magazine

Selected Projects
& Exhibitions

UMINA COLLECTION - 2026
A collection of Mirrors inspired by
The Philosophy of Ubuntu,
for homes and interiors

PUO Poetry - 2023
Directing a collaborative project with the
South African State Theatre,
celebrating spoken word artists across Africa.

Wafer Collection - 2022
A product design project inspired by
layered textures and modern minimalism.

Decorex Cape Town - 2021
A group show as part of the
Nando’s Hot Young Designer’s installation.

Decorex Johannesburg - 2021
A group show as part of the
Nando’s Hot Young Designer’s installation.

Right Here, Right Now - 2021
A Group show, curated by Tracey-Lee
as part of the Cape Town Design Trail.

Sangu Collection - 2020
A furniture design collection inspired by
African craftsmanship and aesthetics.

Professional Experience

Creative Director at NETA Studio
Nov 2024 – Current

- Led a multidisciplinary design team across concept, product development, and production, translating cultural narratives into commercially viable furniture.

- Build and scale product ranges from concept to market, driving the growth of NETA Studio’s collections through strategic design direction, material innovation, and brand positioning

Multimedia Lead at Two Tone Global
Jan 2024 – Sep 2024

- Led multimedia marketing team and campaigns with an emphasis on motion graphics and creative workflows.

- Directed cross-platform video and design initiatives for global brands.

Creative Design Manager at JCDecaux Africa
May 2023 – Dec 2023

- Designed the company briefing system and workflow used across Africa.

- Managed teams to deliver 3D designs and innovative campaigns for Out Of Home advertising.

Creative Director at PUO Poetry
Nov 2022 – May 2023

- Oversaw creative production for cultural narratives at the South African State Theatre.

- Directed multidisciplinary art projects incorporating live performance, video, photography
and motion graphics.

Lead Product Developer at NETA Studio
Nov 2020 – May 2023

- Designed innovative products by merging industrial aesthetics with cultural storytelling.

- Delivered market-driven prototypes that emphasized form and functionality.

Freelance Motion Graphics Designer
Various Agencies
Jul 2018 – Dec 2020

- Produced 2D and 3D motion graphics for advertising
and digital campaigns.

- Managed projects from concept to completion,
ensuring compelling narratives.

Skills

Team Leadership | Process Development | Workflow management | Concept Development | Art Direction | Photography | Full-Stack Video Production | 3D Design | CAD | Motion Graphics | Product Design | Sculpture and Installation Art

Publications & Features

Lifestyling:
The Making of a Winner

VISI Magazine:
Winner of Nando’s Hot Young Designer Talent Search 2020

SA Home Owner:
One-on-One with Katlego Tshuma

Bizcommunity:
Katlego Tshuma triumphs in Nando's Hot Young Designer Talent Search

Just Trimmings:
Katlego Tshuma Wins 2020 Nando’s HYD Talent Search

Design News:
Get to know the overall winner of the Nando’s
Hot Young Designer (HYD) Talent Search 2020

Nando’s Creativity:
Turning Designs into Reality

Seeds, A Township Monologue
(Self-Published) – Available on Amazon

Education

The Architectural Imagination,
Harvard University (USA) Online - 2019

Art Direction Certificate
AAA School of Advertising - 2017

Motion Graphics Certificate
AAA School of Advertising - 2016