In a bold step towards reshaping the future of South Africa’s retail landscape, the nation celebrated a significant milestone with the launch of an innovative online career guidance platform aimed at steering the youth towards informed career choices within one of the country’s largest economic sectors.
The event took place on Friday in Johannesburg, presided over by Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Mr Buti Manamela, in collaboration with the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA).
Praising the initiative, W&RSETA CEO Tom Mkhwanazi described the platform as “an interactive digital resource” designed to equip both youth and professionals with comprehensive career advice, invaluable skills development information, and diverse learning pathways tailored specifically for the wholesale and retail sector. He asserted, “The Online Career Guidance Platform is an interactive digital resource aimed at providing career advice, skills development information, and learning pathways for youth and professionals in the wholesale and retail sector”
The backbone of the launch was complemented by the simultaneous accreditation of 41 Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDI) Skills Development Training Providers—a groundbreaking achievement that marks a pivotal transformation in the training landscape of the sector.
“This transformation level is essential in enabling more equitable access to quality training in the retail space,” stated Manamela, emphasising the initiative’s role in addressing historical inequities.
With an ambitious budget of R10 million, this project emerged from a strategic partnership between W&RSETA and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations, showcasing a strong commitment to integrating effective workplace training. This partnership sets a progressive standard for skills development across the country, embodying the shared vision of enhancing South Africa’s economic prospects.
During his address, Deputy Minister Manamela highlighted the vital importance of collaboration in driving transformative change in the economy.
“W&RSETA has demonstrated its commitment to career guidance, skills development, and economic transformation,” he remarked.
Reinforcing this commitment, W&RSETA Chairperson Mr Reggie Sibiya expressed unwavering dedication to transforming the wholesale and retail sector.
“The W&RSETA is unapologetic about transforming the Wholesale and Retail Sector,” he asserted.
This dual achievement, the launch of the online career guidance platform and the accreditation of HDI training providers signals the dawn of a new era in South Africa’s wholesale and retail sector, setting the groundwork for a brighter future for young South Africans aspiring to enter the thriving industry.
