“VUT’s Department of Marketing, Retail Business, and Sport Management celebrates securing second place in the 2025 W&RSETA Good Practice Awards, recognising excellence in retail education, skills development, and industry collaboration.”
28 October 2025 | Story: Qhawekazi Memani | Photo: Supplied
3 minutes read time.
Securing second place in the prestigious Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) Good Practice Awards on 24 October 2025 marked a moment of immense pride and affirmation for the Vaal University of Technology’s (VUT) Department of Marketing, Retail Business, and Sport Management. The recognition celebrates the department’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration in advancing skills development within South Africa’s retail sector.
The W&RSETA Good Practice Awards recognise higher education institutions that demonstrate outstanding contributions towards workforce readiness and the professionalisation of the retail sector. VUT’s achievement underscores its strategic alignment of academic programmes, research, and community engagement with national skills development priorities.
According to Professor Khosi Dlodlo, Head of Department: Marketing, Retail Business, and Sport Management, collaboration with W&RSETA has been pivotal to the department’s continued success.
“Through this partnership, the department has received approximately R5 million in funding for tuition support at NQF Levels 6 and 7, while several master’s students have benefited from research funding. Lecturers have also gained valuable industry exposure through in-service placements at retail stores, enhancing both teaching and learning practices,” said Prof Dlodlo.
The department also co-partners with the Gauteng Retail Chair, leading several initiatives such as industry research projects and student excursions to African countries. Collaborative efforts have included co-hosting the Retail-Fit event with the University of Johannesburg and organising a five-day workshop on retail technology. The department’s active participation in the Higher Education and Training Forum for retail programmes has enabled it to exchange and adopt best practices nationally.
Reflecting on what set the team apart, Prof Dlodlo attributed the department’s success to its “unwavering commitment to student-centred innovation and inclusive excellence.” The department integrates project-based learning that allows students to undertake real-world assignments in partnership with retailers, equipping them with the skills and adaptability needed for the evolving retail landscape.
“One of the key lessons we’ve learned is the importance of adaptability and responsiveness in implementing projects,” the department noted. “Strong partnerships are built on continuous communication, mutual respect, and shared purpose.”
This achievement, the department added, serves as both validation and inspiration. It reinforces VUT’s commitment to enhancing student learning, employability, and access to education through industry-linked programmes and experiential learning opportunities.
Special gratitude was extended to Ms Bhekiwe Simelane, VUT Retail and Business Management lecturer, who submitted the proposal that secured the university’s consideration in this award category.
“This accomplishment is a testament to the creativity, resilience, and dedication of our colleagues and students,” the department shared. “It shows what we can achieve when we work together with purpose and passion. To our Retail Business Management students, your potential is limitless, and this award is proof that your efforts truly matter,” concluded Prof Dlodlo.