Deputy Minister Manamela
By Lerato Mpembe
Kempton Park, Johannesburg – 17 March 2025 – Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, has launched an online career guidance platform aimed at steering young South Africans toward thriving careers in the retail sector, the country’s third-largest economic driver. The launch took place on Friday at a Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) event in Kempton Park, where the focus was on empowering youth and celebrating transformation in skills development.
A Digital Boost for Retail Careers
The new platform, unveiled at retailcareers.wrseta.org.za, is a game-changer for career planning. It’s an interactive digital hub offering career advice, skills development info, and clear learning pathways tailored for the wholesale and retail sector. “This online career guidance platform will guide young people in making informed decisions about their careers with an objective of attracting top talent in South Africa’s retail sector,” Manamela said during his keynote address.
Retail’s a big deal in South Africa – it pumps R1.2 trillion into the economy yearly and employs over 3 million people, per a 2024 BusinessTech report. Yet, finding skilled workers remains a headache. This platform steps in to bridge that gap, showing kids from Soweto to Stellenbosch what’s possible – from stockroom jobs to store management. Posts on X are buzzing, with one user saying, “Finally, something practical for our youth to get into retail – this could be huge.”
Celebrating Transformation in Skills Training
The launch doubled as a celebration of 41 Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDI) skills development providers who’ve earned accreditation from the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). These Black-led training outfits are now cleared to teach retail skills, a win for inclusion. “It also recognised the efforts of 41 Black skills development providers who have achieved accreditation,” Manamela noted, tying it to government’s push for equity.
W&RSETA’s backing this with serious cash – R10 million over three years. That’s funding to help these providers train up-and-coming retail stars, especially from communities sidelined before. “W&RSETA has invested R10 million into a three-year project to support these providers,” a W&RSETA statement confirmed. It’s not just charity – it’s about building sustainable livelihoods and a workforce that looks like South Africa.
Manamela’s Vision: Skills for 2030
Manamela didn’t hold back on the big picture. “As we look toward 2030, especially within the Medium-Term Development Plan lenses, we must continue strengthening partnerships between government, industry, and education institutions to ensure that every young South African has the tools and knowledge to succeed,” he said. The Medium-Term Development Plan (2024-2029) targets 2 million new jobs – retail’s a prime spot for that, and this platform’s a key piece.
He praised W&RSETA’s hustle. “In his keynote address, Manamela commended the W&RSETA for demonstrating its commitment to career guidance, skills development, and economic transformation,” the event recap noted. With youth unemployment at 46% (Stats SA, Q1 2025), this isn’t just talk – it’s a lifeline.
W&RSETA’s Unapologetic Push
W&RSETA Chairperson Reggie Sibiya brought the fire. “The W&RSETA is unapologetic about transforming the wholesale and retail sector,” he declared. This isn’t their first rodeo – since 2000, they’ve trained thousands through bursaries and learnerships. A SAnews piece from 14 March 2025 says they’ve rolled out 2 000 bursaries for 2025 already, targeting scarce skills like logistics and retail management.
The platform fits their vibe. It’s got videos, quizzes, and job listings – stuff to hook tech-savvy Gen Z. Think of it as a TikTok for careers, but with real stakes. X users are liking it too – one posted, “W&RSETA’s career site looks slick – my cousin’s already browsing jobs there.”
What’s New and Next
This isn’t a one-off. W&RSETA’s been on a roll – their 2024 Sector Skills Plan flagged a 20% skills gap in retail tech roles (wrseta.org.za). The platform’s tackling that head-on, with sections on digital retail and e-commerce careers. Plus, it’s tied to their R10 million HDI project, which started in 2024 and runs through 2027. A IOL report from last week said 15 of these providers are already training 300 learners in KZN and Gauteng.
Next up? Expansion. Manamela hinted at scaling this nationwide, with TVET colleges like Orbit and Taletso in talks to link their courses to the site (HigherEduGovZA, X, 14 March 2025). The goal’s clear: get rural kids in on this too, not just Joburg’s city slickers.
Challenges Ahead
It’s not all smooth sailing. Internet access is spotty – only 68% of South Africans are online (Stats SA, 2024). Rural areas lag at 40%. W&RSETA’s banking on mobile data deals with partners like MTN, per a News24 snippet from 15 March 2025. And cash? The R10 million’s a start, but training thousands needs more. Manamela’s eyeing private sector buy-in – think Shoprite or Pepkor chipping in.
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