W&RSETA Launches R1.9 Billion Retail Skills Drive as Protests Create New Job Opportunities in South Africa
As protests against the employment of undocumented foreign nationals continue to reshape South Africa’s retail landscape, the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) is accelerating efforts to prepare South Africans for emerging jobs and business opportunities.
The organisation has launched a renewed push to strengthen skills development across the sector, responding to changing market conditions that have opened vacancies in both formal and informal retail businesses. While communities continue to debate the broader economic and social impact of the protests, W&RSETA says its immediate priority is ensuring South Africans are equipped to take advantage of new opportunities through training, education and workplace experience.
W&RSETA Chief Executive Officer Tom Mkhwanazi is leading a strategic stakeholder engagement tour across KwaZulu-Natal, where discussions have centred on workforce development, industry partnerships and the future of the country’s retail economy.
Retail Sector Faces a Changing Landscape
South Africa’s wholesale and retail industry employs more than two million people, making it one of the country’s largest sources of employment.
Recent disruptions linked to nationwide protests and the departure of some foreign operated businesses from township economies have created vacancies across several sectors. These include spaza shops, fast food outlets, clothing businesses, cellphone repair stores and other township trading enterprises.
According to Mkhwanazi, these developments have highlighted the need for targeted skills development that enables South Africans to enter the market with the training and support needed to succeed.
“These developments present new training and employment opportunities for South African citizens,” he said.
He added that W&RSETA will undertake comprehensive research to ensure future training programmes are guided by credible labour market data and aligned with industry demand.
Strategic Visits Strengthen Industry Partnerships
Mkhwanazi’s KwaZulu-Natal visit has focused on strengthening collaboration between government, educational institutions and private sector employers.
On Tuesday, 14 July 2026, he visited Majuba TVET College in Newcastle to inspect a R5 million artisan training facility funded by W&RSETA. The investment forms part of the authority’s broader strategy to expand technical and vocational training opportunities for young South Africans.
The following day, in Durban, Mkhwanazi met with executives from major retailers, including Spar and Boxer, as well as representatives from the University of Zululand.
The discussions explored how industry leaders can work together to improve workforce readiness while creating more sustainable employment pathways for local communities.
Focus Turns to Township Economy
Stakeholders agreed that the current economic shift presents an opportunity to increase South African participation throughout the retail supply chain.
Mkhwanazi said greater attention should also be given to strengthening the informal economy by providing targeted financial support to local suppliers, particularly businesses producing food products and hair care items.
He argued that improving access to funding and skills development would help make informal trading more competitive while supporting entrepreneurship in township communities.
R1.9 Billion Investment to Support Jobs and Skills
To expand access to employment and training opportunities, W&RSETA has committed R1.9 billion for the 2026/27 financial year.
The funding will support several major initiatives designed to improve youth employment and workforce development across South Africa.
Key targets include:
- 3,000 bursaries for unemployed students
- 10,000 learnership opportunities for young South Africans
- 2,045 Work Integrated Learning placements for TVET college students
The investment reflects W&RSETA’s long term commitment to building a skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving needs of South Africa’s retail sector.
As economic conditions continue to shift, the authority believes that expanding access to education, vocational training and industry partnerships will play a crucial role in helping more South Africans secure sustainable employment and participate meaningfully in the country’s retail economy.
