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CEO of the National Association of Convenience
Dr Blade Nzimande delivering his keynote address
Stores Henry Armour
The keynote address was delivered by the Minister of Higher CEO of the National Association of Convenience Stores Henry
Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, focusing Armour, emphasised that creativity in convenience retailing is key
on the role of the fuel retailers towards job creation through skills to the future of fuel retail. He also shared insights on what other
development. The Minister indicated that the fuel retail sector, countries are doing to harness creativity to improve operations in
which has more than 5 000 SMMEs, was best placed to provide fuel retail.
work-based learning programmes particularly for TVET college
students and graduates. "I will be very happy at this conference if Other topics that were discussed were around challenges and
FRA members make a firm commitment to open their workplaces opportunities in fuel retail, political and economic global red flags,
into training spaces. He highlighted the W&RSETA’s allocations on and the impact of the regulatory and transformation environment
skills development programmes to fuel retailers through various on retail as well as international trends in retail.
interventions. Dr Nzimande further encouraged fuel retailers to
engage with the Department of Science and Innovation to navigate
challenges brought by technological advancements.

Panel discussion on “Speaking with one voice – state and future of retailing
in South Africa” with Reggie Sibiya, Sbonelo Mbatha, Fuad Johnson, Fani
Tshifularo and Rita Sikhondze

Deputy Director-General for the Department of
Mineral Resources and Energy, Tseliso Maqubela

Responding to concerns raised by the retail fuel industry regarding
deregulation, the Deputy Director-General for the Department of
Mineral Resources and Energy, Tseliso Maqubela, said the timing
was not right to consider wide-scale deregulation of the industry
and that the department would not implement any policy changes
without consulting the industry.

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W&RSETA | June 2022