Wholesale and Retail SETA

24/10/2026

6 DAYS TO GO!

What skills will shape the next generation of wholesale and retail in South Africa? What role will innovation, entrepreneurship and research play in preparing the sector for what lies ahead?

In just six days, the W&RSETA Research Conference 2026 brings these questions to the forefront, creating space for industry experts, researchers and thought leaders to exchange ideas and explore practical solutions for a changing sector.

🎟️ Secure your virtual place at wrsetarevents.co.za.

23/10/2026

23/10/2026

Meet more of the voices joining us at the W&RSETA Research Conference 2026:

🔹 Dr Semona Pillay – Senior Lecturer and Deputy Head of Department: Non-Subsidised Programmes, Department of Marketing Management, University of Johannesburg
🔹 Dr Mahlatsi Modipane – Lecturer, Division of Psychology, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela Campus
🔹 Dr Abdullah Verachia – Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The Strategists; Head of Faculty: Strategy, Sustainability & Digital, GIBS

Bringing together expertise in marketing, psychology, strategy and digital transformation, these speakers will contribute valuable perspectives on the skills, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking needed to shape the future of wholesale and retail.

📅 29–30 October 2026
📍 Focus Rooms, Modderfontein | Hybrid Conference

Register now on wrsetarevents.co.za to attend.

23/10/2026

⏳ 7 DAYS TO GO!

The countdown is on! Just one week to go until the W&RSETA Research Conference 2026, where industry leaders, researchers and innovators will come together to explore the future of wholesale and retail.

Under the theme “Wholesale and Retail Re-Imagined: Next Generation Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” we look forward to meaningful conversations, fresh perspectives and ideas that will shape the future of the sector.

📅 29–30 October 2026
📍 Focus Rooms, Modderfontein | Hybrid Conference
🎟️ Register now at wrsetarevents.co.za and be part of the conversation!

22/10/2026

Meet more of the voices joining us at the W&RSETA Research Conference 2026:

🔹 Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng – Academic, Businesswoman and Philanthropist
🔹 Sello Michael Makhubela – Chief Executive Officer, Joburg Market
🔹 Eustace Mashimbye – Chief Executive Officer, Proudly South African
🔹 Prof Victor Virimai Mugobo – Professor of Marketing and W&RSETA Wholesale and Retail Leadership Chair, University of the Western Cape

From business leadership and local market development to marketing, academia and philanthropy, these speakers bring diverse perspectives to the conversation on Wholesale and Retail Re-Imagined: Next Generation Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

📅 29–30 October 2026
📍 Focus Rooms, Modderfontein | Hybrid Conference

Do not miss the conversations and insights reimagining the future of wholesale and retail in South Africa! Register on wrsetarevents.co.za to attend.

22/10/2026

Meet more of the voices joining us at the W&RSETA Research Conference 2026:

🔹 Prof Ryk Lues – Director: Centre for Applied Food Sustainability and Biotechnology CUT-W&RSETA Research Chair in Food Safety Culture and Sustainability, Central University of Technology
🔹 Freddy Mahhumane – Chief Executive Officer & Founder, KasiD Township Delivery Service
🔹 Mrs Michele Francis Padayachee – Global Standards, Solutions and Technology Executive, GSI South Africa
🔹 Lynette Ntuli – Chief Executive Officer, Innate Solutions

From food sustainability and safety to township entrepreneurship, global standards and business innovation, these speakers bring diverse expertise to the conversation on Wholesale and Retail Re-Imagined: Next Generation Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

📅 29–30 October 2026
📍 Focus Rooms, Modderfontein | Hybrid Conference
Do not miss the conversations and insights reimagining wholesale and retail in South Africa! Register on wrsetarevents.co.za to attend.

21/10/2026

Celebrating 2025/2026 financial year: Transforming Workplaces, and Skilling Communities

Our success is driven by a shared commitment to skills development, stakeholder collaboration and creating meaningful opportunities across the Wholesale and Retail Sector.

Today we share how our collective efforts are transforming workplaces into spaces for learning, empowering entrepreneurs, developing skills within our communities, and building a stronger, more inclusive economy.

We are committed to turning opportunities into impact and building a future-ready workforce.

21/10/2026

SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT!

Meet more of the voices joining us at the Research Conference 2026:
🔹 Gizelle Hutchinson - Lead: Opportunity Development, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator
🔹 Prof Nobukhosi Dlodlo - Associate Professor, Strategic Projects, Vaal University of Technology
🔹 Zamokwakhe Khuzwayo - Executive Officer, National Skills Authority
🔹 Sally Joubert - Coordinator: WIL & Industry Liaison, CUT-W&RSETA Research Leadership Chair, Central University of Technology

From youth employment and higher education to national skills planning and industry partnerships, these speakers bring the expertise needed to explore Wholesale and Retail Re-Imagined: Next Generation Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
29-30 October 2026 Focus Rooms, Modderfontein | Hybrid Conference
Do not miss the conversations and insights reimagining retail in South Africa! Register on wrsetarevents.co.za to attend.

21/10/2026

Stores are becoming smart ecosystems. What does that mean for retail jobs, operations and value chains?
Be in the room as we explore the impact of AI, automation and e-commerce on retail.

29-30 Oct | Focus Rooms, Modderfontein | Hybrid Conference
Register today on wrsetarevents.co.za, and re-imagine retail!

21/10/2026

Nominations for our 2027 Management and Leadership Development Programmes Closing Soon

Two weeks to closing date: 04 November 2026