Skill Development > W&RSETA Sector Profile

Sector profile The Wholesale & Retail sector is the fourth largest contributor to the national GDP with a share of approximately 12,4%. The sector output of R 432 billion in 1999 is generated by more than 65,000 enterprises. These enterprises range from about 50 very large category organizations to tens of thousands of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMEEs) such as cafes, spazas and speciality goods retailers that represents 99% of the employers in the sector. The W&R sector is characterized by intense rivalry and low margins. The W&R sector employs about 806,000 employees, with total salaries and wages amounting to some R 10,2 billion ( as reported in the 2002 Statistics SA – Survey of Employment and Earnings). Both mean hourly wages and consequently mean annual earnings in the sector are at low end of the economic spectrum, with only agriculture and the domestic sector worse off. However, according to the National Productivity Institute, productivity has increased from 89,4% in 1995 to 95,6% in 2001 Real growth in the sector over the last decade has been disappointing at 1-2% per annum (as measured by official statistics). This figure is, however, possibly misleading and does not take into account the emergence of the informal retailing sector, which probably today accounts for a significant, albeit unknown percentage of output. The fragmented structure of this informal sector calls for innovative and shared initiatives to improve the business environment and the skills profile of the sector participants and must be aligned with the National Skills Development Strategy. Females (56%) are the majority in the W&R sector, while more than 78% of the employees in the sector are people of colour. Gauteng, the Western Cape and Kwazulu-Natal respectively account for 78% or more of the total number of employees in each sub-sector. For the sector as whole an estimated 90% of employees fall within the general and further education and training bands (NQF 1-4). This would appear to indicate and inadequate skills profile and substantial scope for training and skills development. This information was extracted from the October Household Survey 1999. The sector is however, characterized by a considerable lack of recent and coherent data specific to its nature and profile. This aspect needs attention and continuous research to enable the development of more focused approaches to skills development. Request for SETA jurisdiction change form Click here to download the document. IST Contact Information: Click here to download the document. Seta SIC Code list: Click here to download the document. SOC codes - Annexures Click here to download the Soc Codes appendix A Click here to download the Soc Codes appendix B W&RSETA Sector Profile - by Sector Industry Codes Sic Trade Category 61000 Wholesale and commission trade, except for motor vehicles and motor cycles. 61100 Wholesale trade on a fee or contract basis. 61310 Wholesale trade in textiles, clothing and footwear. 61220 Wholesale trade in food, beverages and tobacco. 61391 Wholesale trade in household furniture requisites and appliances. 61392 Wholesale trade in books and stationery. 61393 Wholesale trade in precious stones, jewellery and silverware. 61394 Wholesale trade in pharmaceuticals, toiletries and medical equipment. 61420 Wholesale trade in metal and metal ores. 61430 Wholesale trade in construction materials, hardware, plumbing and heating equipment. 61501 Office machinery and equipment including computers. 61509 Other machinery. 61901 General wholesale trade. 61909 Other wholesale trade not elsewhere classified (n.e.c). 62000 Retail trade, expect for motor vehicles and motor cycles; repair of personal and household goods. 62110 Retail trade in non-specialised stores with food, beverages and tobacco dominating. 62190 Other retail trade non-specialised stores. 62201 Retail trade in fresh fruit and vegetables. 62202 Retail trade in meat and meat products. 62203 Retail trade in bakery products. 62204 Retail trade in beverages (bottle stores). 62209 Other retail trade in food, beverages and tobacco n.e.c. 62311 Retail of non-prescribed medicine and pharmaceutical products other than by pharmacist. 62321 Retail trade in men’s and boy’s clothing. 62322 Retail trade in ladies’ and girls’ clothing. 62323 Retail trade by general outfitters and by dealers in piece goods, textiles, leather and travel accessories. 62324 Retail trade in shoes. 62330 Retail trade in household furniture appliance, article and equipment. 62340 Retail trade in hardware. Paints and glass. 62391 Retail trade in reading matter and stationery. 62932 Retail trade in jewellery, watches and clocks. 62393 Retail trade in sports goods and entertainment requisites. 62399 Retail trade by other specified stores. 62400 Retail trade in second-hand goods in stores. 63122 Retail sale of used motor vehicles. 63311 Sale of tyres. [ Top | Back | Print ]