WeeklySA_AdminDEVELOPMENT: Presenting annual results, the W&RSETA reports that it supported 24 133 learners during the past year – 10 431 employed and 13 702 unemployed individuals…
By Nhlanhla Mbatha
GQEBERHA. Eastern Cape – The Wholesale & Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) has reported outstanding achievements in its 2024/25 financial year, surpassing its five-year strategic targets.
The results were unveiled at the W&RSETA’s annual general meeting (AGM) held in Gqeberha on Wednesday, where the organisation also celebrated receiving an unqualified audit from Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke, confirming its strong governance and sound financial management.
Presenting the results, interim chairperson of the W&RSETA board Zinhle Tyikwe said the achievements reflected the SETA’s unwavering commitment to skills development and transformation within the wholesale and retail sector.
“The results we are presenting today are a testament to our drive to build a skilled, agile and responsive workforce for South Africa’s wholesale and retail sector,” acting W&RSETA chief executive officer Sipho Shoba said.
“We have not only met but surpassed our five-year goals, directly contributing to economic growth, job creation and transformation across the sector,” Shoba said.
According to the annual report, the W&RSETA supported 24 133 learners during the past year – 10 431 employed and 13 702 unemployed individuals – while a total of 43 619 unemployed learners benefited from occupationally directed programmes over the five-year strategic period.
The authority also exceeded its inclusivity targets, with 9.17% of participants being persons with disabilities and nearly 30% from rural areas.
In artisan and technical training, 775 learners successfully completed programmes, while more than 5 700 bursaries were awarded to unemployed and employed learners. Of these, 951 bursars completed their qualifications. The W&RSETA also invested in high-level education, funding 46 master’s students, two PhD candidates, and supporting 891 employed learners enrolled in NQF Level 7 and 8 programmes.
The W&RSETA’s efforts to boost entrepreneurship and small business development also showed strong results.
A total of 3 501 Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) received funding for skills initiatives, while 3 092 informal traders and 332 emerging entrepreneurs took part in capacitation programmes. Additionally, 139 co-operatives benefited from specialised development and training interventions.
To ensure that skills development remains relevant in a rapidly changing economy, the W&RSETA completed 23 research studies, surpassing its target of 20, and published 13 impact tracer studies to track the long-term outcomes of its interventions.
The AGM also noted significant achievements in preparing the sector for the future world of work. More than 47 800 workers were registered in programmes addressing hard-to-fill vacancies, while 2 302 young people were trained in Information and Communications Technology and digital skills.
The W&RSETA also strengthened collaboration with organised labour, conducting 20 trade union interventions that reached 6 910 members, well above the targeted 20% increase in participation.
Throughout the year, the W&RSETA deepened its engagement with stakeholders across all nine provinces, holding more than 50 strategic sessions with industry leaders, training providers and government partners.
The organisation also signed new Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with North-West University, Capricorn TVET College, and FoodBev SETA to promote collaboration and strengthen alignment of skills programmes across sectors.
“While we celebrate these achievements, our focus remains firmly on the future,” Shoba said.
“We are committed to ensuring that our programmes remain responsive to the changing needs of the economy. Through partnerships, research and innovation, we will continue to bridge the skills gap and build an inclusive and transformed wholesale and retail sector,” he said.
