Oplus Works led by Menzi Ndlovu, a Professional Architect and Sessional Lecturer at University of Johannesburg, was born and raised in the rural region of Manguzi, Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa before he moved coastal south to Durban with his mother in search for better living standards. Being in the City for most of his teenage years and spending holidays back in the rural area where he was born, exposed him to the gap rural poverty has to the cities. This later came to inspire his approach on various roles architecture can play to bridge the gap.
Constantly inspired by the rural scenery, Menzi believes that architecture should imitate nature and sought to create buildings that are in harmony with their natural environment. As a result, his design approach has always been the balance between unlocking the past - through African indigenous knowledges systems, and the future - through innovative artificial inteligence.
Although still young in the industry, joining the Internationally renowned Architectural Practice LYT Architecture, during his internship years, has widened his portfolio from Commercial to Hospitality & Entertainment, Educational, Retail and Residential projects. Having worked on award winning project such as the South Point Student Residents building in Braamfontein, South Africa, which won the African Property Awards for Best Residential High-Rise Architecture in year 2022-2023, has earned him respect as one of the young South African architects to look out for.
Meet Sunshine Dlangamandla, an esteemed architect based in Johannesburg, South Africa, renowned for her innovative approach to African architecture. She obtained her undergraduate education at the University of the Witwatersrand, where she developed a strong foundation in architectural theory and practice. Continuing her academic journey, Sunshine pursued her postgraduate studies at the GSA, University of Johannesburg, a period that began her deep exploration into African architectural forms and philosophies.
Throughout her career, Sunshine has collaborated with various architectural firms, engaging in a diverse range of projects spanning social housing, public libraries, and residential developments.
Beyond her local practice; Sunshine's research has garnered international recognition, notably influencing discussions at prestigious institutions such as the Bartlett School of Architecture at the University College London. Invited to critique and tutor students in the renowned Unit 5 led by Bongani Muchemwa of McCloy+Muchemwa, Sunshine actively contributed to explorations into museums, embassies, and culturally significant sites. Her involvement centered on critical inquiries into repatriation, ownership, and cultural sensitivity within architectural practice.
Inspired by her extensive travels across the globe, Sunshine draws from diverse cultural influences to enrich her architectural vision. Her designs thus have a culturally responsive approach that celebrates the rich heritage and dynamic future of African architecture.