WeeklySA_AdminSOLUTIONS: Bathu, the proudly South African sneaker brand created out of Alexandra township, also recognised…
By Nhlanhla Mbatha
The Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) has honoured individuals and institutions for spearheading outstanding skills development initiatives among the youth.
They were honoured at the 2025 Good Practice Awards (GPAs), held at the Marriott Hotel in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, on October 24.
The glittering black-tie event brought together more than 300 guests from the wholesale and retail sector, government, academia and partner organisations to celebrate innovation, transformation and excellence in workplace learning.
Among the night’s top winners was Smollan SA Services (Pty) Ltd, which scooped two awards – in the Super Large Companies and Innovation categories. Bathu, the proudly South African sneaker brand, won in the Large Enterprises category, while Kago Bakao Integrated Solutions walked away with top honours among Small Enterprises.
Bathu was established in 2015, in Alexandra. It has now grown exponentially over the years, with 32 stores nationwide and a staff complement of over 300 employees, who are predominantly youth.
The Women in Leadership award went to Wilhemina Johanna and Honey’s Beauty Hub was recognised in the Entrepreneurship (W&RSETA Youth Programme) category. In the education sector, UCT Graduate School of Business, Majuba TVET College and Gauteng CET College were all honoured for their contributions to higher, technical and community education and training respectively.
Individual achievers were also celebrated, including Snenhlanhla Khumalo, who earned awards in both the Learnership (NQF Level 1–3) and Learnership (Disability) categories and Thabo Moyo, winner in the Bursary Beneficiaries category.
Speaking at the ceremony, Zintle Tyikwe, interim chairperson of the W&RSETA board, praised the winners and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing excellence in the sector.
“The Good Practice Awards are a powerful reflection of how collaboration, dedication and innovation can transform lives and communities,” said Tyikwe. “As the new board, we are committed to building on this momentum and taking the W&RSETA to even greater heights over the next five years.”
W&RSETA CEO, Tom Mkhwanazi, congratulated the winners, saying their success showcased the impact of the authority’s programmes. “Each of our winners has demonstrated the highest standards of excellence and commitment. Their achievements reaffirm the vital role of skills development as a catalyst for social and economic progress,” he said.
The 2025 Good Practice Awards featured comedian Tumi Morake and Thabo “T-Boss” Mokwele as masters of ceremonies, adding a touch of humour and flair to an evening that celebrated the best in the sector.
The full list of winners is available on the W&RSETA website: [www.wrseta.org.za](https://www.wrseta.org.za).
