Welcome to W&RSETA

The Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) was established in 2000 in terms of the Skills Development Act (as amended). The public entity aims to facilitate the skills development needs of the Wholesale and Retail (W&R) Sector through the implementation of learning programmes, disbursement of grants and monitoring of education and training as outlined in the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP).

SETAs are entities of the Department of Higher Education and Training. There are 21 SETAs; each servicing a specific economic sector of the Country.

 

FRAUDULENT COMMUNICATION - BID WRSCM-2025/2026-0022

The W&RSETA alerts service providers to fraudulent calls and messages regarding Bid WRSCM-2025/2026-0022 for the Panel for the provision for catering and décor services to the W&RSETA Head Office and Regional Offices on an as and when required basis for a period of three (3) years. 

Service providers are cautioned to ignore communication suspected to originate from the number 066 124 3710. The W&RSETA does not correspond with bidders via WhatsApp or any other social media platform. 

Click here for the notice.

INVITATION - RESEARCH-LED SKILLS DIALOGUES

The Sector Education and Training Authority Forum in partnership with University of the Witwatersrand invites stakeholders to the 2026 Research-led Skills Dialogues. Industry leaders, associations and organised labour will gather to engage on insights projected by research and stakeholder perspectives

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STAKEHOLDER NOTICE – INTER-SETA TRANSFER PROCESS

The Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&RSETA) hereby invite stakeholders who are currently registered with other SETAs in terms of Section 5 of the Skills Development Levy Act (SDL) prescribed by South African Revenue Services (SARS) and need to transfer their registration to W&RSETA to use the following process. 

Stakeholders should use the attached application form to apply for the Inter-SETA transfer and email to SETAtransfers@wrseta.org.za. A SARS guideline with contact details is also attached for clarity.

CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: SPECIALISED RESEARCH LEADERSHIP CHAIRS - ADVANCING RESEARCH EXCELLENCE IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL SECTOR

The W&RSETA invites expressions of interest from institutions of learning comprising HETs, TVETs and CETs for the establishment of Research Leadership Chairs under a newly designed model that will be launched in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. This initiative is aimed at driving innovation, addressing emerging challenges, and fostering transformation within the Wholesale and Retail Sector.

Click here for the advert

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – 2026/27 DISCRETIONARY GRANT FUNDING WINDOW

The W&RSETA invites wholesale and retail levy-paying companies, constituent associations, public and private institutions of learning and trade unions to apply for the 2026/27 Discretionary Grants to implement interventions that address the Sectoral Priority Occupations and interventions, as well as Emerging Occupations outlined in the 2026/27 Sector Skills Plan.

Applications should be submitted through the W&RSETA MIS on or before 31 January 2026.

Click here for the full details.

SUBMISSION OF EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR MARKERS AND MODERATORS

The W&RSETA, a Quality Partner: Assessment of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations, is inviting subject matter experts to express intent for application to mark and/or moderate final assessments for the Wholesale and Retail Sector.  

Click here for the notice and application form

2026/27 MANDATORY GRANTS  APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

The Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&RSETA) invites qualifying levy paying companies within the Wholesale and Retail Sector to apply for the 2026/27 Mandatory Grants. Companies may submit their applications via the MIS System the on or before 30 April 2026.

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STAKEHOLDER UPDATE – OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW STATUS

The W&RSETA is pleased to provide an update on the progress made regarding the occupational qualifications review process as at 01 December 2025.

Click here for the update

CALL FOR RESEARCH PAPERS - 2026 W&RSETA RESEARCH CONFERENCE

Academics, researchers, industry professionals, and practitioners are invited to submit papers for the 2026 W&RSETA Research Conference. Leading experts and decision-makers will converge to explore emerging trends, innovative practices, and workforce transformation in the Wholesale and Retail Sector. Submissions should provide evidence-based insights, practical implications, or policy guidance aligned with the conference theme “Wholesale and Retail Re-imagined: Next Generation Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship”

Click here for the invitation

CUT-W&RSETA RESEARCH LEADERSHIP CHAIR FOOD SAFETY TRAINING

The CUT-W&RSETA Research Leadership Chair embarked on a Food Safety Training Programme to training, mentor, and support 2000 SMMEs to enhance food safety practices. The programme is part of the W&RSETA initiative to drive inclusive economic growth through government, education, and community partnerships.

Click here to read about the programme.

W&RSETA PARTNERS WITH CPUT TO FIGHT GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

The Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&RSETA) in collaboration with the Department of Retail Business Management at Cape Peninsula University of Technology conducted a transformative workshop programme to raise awareness on the prevalent issue of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The workshops were a demonstration of a commitment to creating safer, more inclusive communities within the wholesale and retail space and country at large.

#NotInMyName

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NEW BOARD APPOINTED FOR THE W&RSETA

The W&RSETA is pleased to announce its new Board as appointed by the Minister of Higher Education and Training to serve the Wholesale and Retail Sector for a five-year term commencing 30 September 2025.

Click here for the notice