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Joining efforts to formalise informal traders

he participation of small businesses in the mainstream economy and in skills development remains a key priority, in particular,
Tfor the W&RSETA. The W&RSETA has partnered with the South African Informal Traders Alliance (SAITA) to implement advocacy
programmes and assist informal traders to participate in the SETA’s programmes. SAITA is one of the largest organisations that represent
informal traders and micro businesses in South Africa and is currently implementing different projects to empower and formalise these
businesses. The organisation is a catalyst between informal traders and key partners in government and financial institutions. It has set
a bold target of creating one million jobs by 2023.

Informal traders exhibiting their products

On 20 April 2022, the W&RSETA participated at SAITA’s Wholesale
and Retail expo in Cape Town, which was SAITA’s first physical
expo since the COVID-19 outbreak. Retail is one of SAITA’s
biggest stakeholder industry. Key areas during the expo were on
supporting informal traders to grow their businesses focusing on
new ways of doing business. Traders interacted with public and
private companies on opportunities including business solutions
and support programmes.

SAITA was recently allocated learners for a graduate workplace
programme which is the first of its kind for the organisation with
eight graduates from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
The long-term vision for this initiative is to place graduates within
informal businesses to assist owners to improve their business Martha Shingange engaging with the informal traders
management skills.
Representing the W&RSETA, was the Manager: Marketing and
Communications, Martha Shingange who provided an overview
of the W&RSETA and its SMME development and support
programmes. Shingange emphasised the important role of informal
traders in South Africa’s fight against poverty and unemployment.

Paul Bester delivered a welcome message
David Venter – Chairman: Economic Development
The Director: Informal Sector for SAITA Paul Bester said, “The Forum, SAITA
last two years have been challenging for informal traders due to “Thank you to the W&RSETA for the partnership. We urge
COVID-19, lootings, floods and fires in some parts of the country.” SETAs to work together to support informal traders. SAITA
He also said that government agencies are critical in efforts to aims to create 1 million jobs by 2023.”
support informal traders.

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W&RSETA | April 2022