Tribute to Women – National Women’s Day (09 August 2003)

Congratulations to Shoprite & Checkers

The Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) wishes all Women a very pleasant National Women’s day tomorrow. We also would like to congratulate Shoprite ‘n Checkers for honouring women who strive to make a contribution in making a positive impact on the lives of many South Africans. To all the Women nominated in the annual Shoprite ‘n Checkers Women of Year competition , we say, you are a winner in your own right and keep up the good work.

Thumps up to W&R Employers

The W&R sector has made a profound impact in addressing the skills needs of women employed in the sector. One of the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) equity targets to be reached by March 2005 is to ensure that at least 54% of beneficiaries of training interventions in the workplaces are women. To date, of all workers who are involved structured learning, 52% are women.

W&RSETA’s own contribution

The W&RSETA was the first SETA to appoint a Woman as the Chairperson of the Board in March 2000. Ms Diane Swallow, who is the current Group Training & Development Manager for Massmart stores, held the chairpersonship for two consecutive terms until she retired from the W&RSETA board on the 31st of March 2002. The number of Women who serves on the board of the W&RSETA is at 25%. We would like to acknowledge the

participation these women:

  • Ms Lerato Makhatha- nominated by Home of SMME Trust (HOST).
  • Ms Meetah Dullabh- nominated by Retailers Association (RA).
  • Ms Debbie Arendse- nominated by South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU).

Previous Women who served on the W&RSETA board includes:

  • Ms Sandra Sweet (2000/01)- nominated by Retailers Association (RA). Ms Sandra Sweet was responsible for the overseeing the registration of the first Learnerships by W&RSETA.
  • Ms Millicent Nortje (200/02 & 2002/03)- nominated by Furniture Retailers Association (FTA). Ms Millicent Nortje was also deputy chairperson of the W&RSETA board as well as the Chairperson of the Audit Committee.
  • Ms Diane Swallow (2000/01 & 2001/02)- First chairperson of the W&RSETA Board.

Analysis of representation employment of Women in the W&RSETA

The W&RSETA has a staff complement of 26 people.

Occupation level / Number of employees / Number of Women / % of Women per occupational level

Senior Management

/ 7 / 1 / 14%
Middle Management / 8 / 4 / 50%
Junior Management / 11 / 11 / 100%

We, at W&RSETA acknowledges that we need to practice what we preach. We will endeavour to increase the employment of women in senior management positions.

In conclusion, we would like to encourage all South Africans to respect Women and say NO to any form of abuse against Women. We are thankful for the sterling contribution made by women in the implementation of skills development at the workplaces.