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Highlights of moving the W&RSETA from

good to great in 2021

espite the challenging year the country has experienced following the COVID-19 pandemic and the world nearing its second year
Dwith the virus, there is still a good story to tell. The July unrests coupled with the pandemic collectively contributed to the country’s
declining economy, negatively impacting on the Wholesale and Retail Sector but the W&RSETA is proud to reflect with a sense of
accomplishment on significant contributions made towards skills development.

Breaking ground in skills development

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade
Nzimande and Limpopo Premier, Mr Stanley Mathabatha broke new ground
to mark the commencement of the W&RSETA’s first-ever skills development
centre in Groblersdal, Limpopo. The R146 million Sekhukhune Skills
Development Centre is a collaborative effort with Sekhukhune TVET
College and will be completed in 2023 to produce artisans in different
trades in the wholesale and retail value chain.

Supporting entrepreneurship to boost economic
growth

Somandla Project
A total of 300 young people from rural communities in the Mpumalanga
province were trained to start new or improve existing businesses. The
W&RSETA invested R3.6 million to benefit the young people of Nkomazi
through this project.

Southern African Youth Movement Project
The W&RSETA partnered with the Southern African Youth Movement as
part of its contribution to address unemployment among the youth through
entrepreneurship. A total of 3150 young people from the Eastern Cape,
North West, Limpopo, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal will benefit from this
project which will be implemented over a three-year period at a budget
of R71 million. Over 170 beneficiaries from the Eastern Cape completed
programmes in Co-operative Governance, Marketing and Communication
from the first phase of the project and graduated in June 2021.

Transforming the fuel retail industry through
skills development

The W&RSETA has partnered with PetroConnect to contribute towards
transforming the fuel retail industry. The Service Station Readiness
Programme aims to equip aspiring fuel retailers with the skills and
knowledge to enter the fuel retail market and empower those who
wish to pursue a career in the sector. A total of R21million has been
invested to benefit 1 000 beneficiaries.

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W&RSETA | November 2021