Welcome to W&RSETA

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.

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The Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) invites public and private TVET and HET institutions, bursary administrators, W&RSETA levy-paying companies and Retail Chairs to apply for the W&RSETA Bursary Scheme for retail and related qualifications. Funding is available for new unemployed students as well as students who are currently funded by the W&RSETA for the 2025 academic year and will be continuing into the next level of their qualifications.

Closing date for applications: 16 January 2026

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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.

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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.  

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

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The W&RSETA invites accredited skills development providers and associations for persons with disabilities to apply for funding to implement vocational skills programmes and entrepreneurship development for persons with disabilities in 2025/26. This opportunity aims to promote inclusivity, accessibility, and self-development as well as entrepreneurship development for the beneficiaries, incorporating business mentorship and business support grants

Click here for the advert and application form

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”

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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.

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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The W&RSETA reported a successive unqualified audit report and a record-high 94% achievement from the Auditor-General South Africa at the Annual General Meeting held in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape on 15 October 2025. Stakeholders adopted the W&RSETA 2024/25 Annual Report and the 2025/26 Annual Performance Plan.

Thank you to all our stakeholders for enabling these achievements.

Click here for the 2024/25 Annual Report and AGM presentation

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.

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The W&RSETA’s first edition of the WholeSay newsletter is now available!

This edition provides a comprehensive overview of key activities, strategic initiatives, and milestones achieved during the first quarter. We invite you to explore the highlights and gain valuable insights into our ongoing efforts to advance skills development within the Wholesale and Retail Sector.

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Stakeholders in the Wholesale and Retail Sector are invited to participate in a national survey focused on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in South Africa’s Wholesale and Retail Sector. This initiative is part of our ongoing Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (PDRF) projects, aimed at shaping responsive and forward-looking skills development strategies in the age of digital transformation.

Your input is essential in helping us align our AI initiatives with stakeholder needs and expectations. The survey responses will be treated as confidential.

Click here to complete the questionnaire