Former reality TV star and furniture business owner Inno Matijane has received backlash for manufacturing a low quality couch costing R11 000. According to a client, Inno did not deliver what he had promised in a reference picture.
The client shared the final couch, which looked nothing like the one Inno had been marketing.
The couch Inno Matojane delivered
The couch Inno Matojane promised to deliver
Inno has come forward to defend his business.
“Customer complaints will always be there. I’ll take responsibility and accountability, but like any business, it has complaints. I’ll strive to do better, improve, but I’m not going anywhere! You’ll never take my customers! I might have challenges now, but there’s a reason I’m competing with leading retail stores! I didn’t know about you until you sent a shy chair! He said.
Inno said, for clarity and transparency, he would like to outline the context of this matter.
“The furniture order experienced delays due to both a communicated production backlog and a quality issue identified during manufacturing. The initially specified board was not holding nails securely, which would have compromised the structural integrity and long-term durability of the furniture,” he said.
“As a business, we do not release products that fail to meet our quality standards.”
To address the issue he discontinued use of the affected board and proceeded with a more suitable material to ensure strength, safety, and longevity.
“This decision required remaking and reinforcing the item, which extended the delivery timeline. Throughout the process, I communicated directly with the client regarding the complexity of the order and the production challenges involved. Progress updates were shared through calls, video calls, photographs, and videos, which were acknowledged,” he said.
“During a period in which the business was experiencing operational pressure due to a backlog, the client expressed interest in becoming involved in the business. In the interest of transparency, I shared high-level information relating to the company’s operations, including challenges and backlogs. Following these discussions, the client indicated that she and her husband had agreed on a proposal involving a 50% stake in the business. After careful consideration, I communicated that such an arrangement would not align with the structure, control, or long-term interests of the business, and the proposal did not proceed. “
Thereafter, focus returned to the outstanding order.
“The client expressed dissatisfaction and indicated that the matter could be taken into the public domain. Despite this, we continued working to complete the furniture using the revised materials, prioritising quality and delivery. When the client later communicated dissatisfaction with the final outcome, I acknowledged her concerns. She requested a refund, which I agreed to process, with the understanding that this would be completed during office hours in line with standard administrative and banking procedures,” Inno said.
“Subsequently, a public social media post was made regarding the matter. At the same time, the third-party logistics team responsible for delivery was prevented from leaving the client’s property. I requested their release, as the matter was already being addressed and responsibility had not been denied. At no point was accountability refused. I communicated consistently that the client’s concerns were understood and that assistance would be provided, including processing the requested refund. Despite continued communication and efforts to resolve the matter professionally, the situation escalated. Throughout, our actions were guided by a commitment to quality, transparency, responsible manufacturing, and good-faith engagement.”
With this being a new business venture, he wishes to continue despite the backlash.
“One thing I’m promising is I’m never giving up on my business. I’ll experience challenges, but I will fix, improve, and do better. Giving up it’s not an option for me. No matter how many challenges. Innofurn will be the biggest furniture brand in the country soon! In Africa! In the world!”
Cece Smith 
admin 