College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2023 87 WHOLESALE & RETAIL SETA LEADERSHIP CHAIR (GAUTENG) OVERVIEW The W&R SETA Chair (Gauteng) Youth Development Programme was launched on the University of Johannesburg’s Kingsway Campus on 13 February 2023. This event was graced by esteemed industry and academic guests who delivered inspiring speeches to motivate and empower the youth. These included Dr Beate Stiehler-Mulder, W&R SETA Leadership Chair: Gauteng, Prof Mercy Mpinganjira, Director of the CBE School of Consumer Intelligence and Information Systems (SCiiS), Tom Mkhwanazi, the CEO of SETA, Mr Manfree Maake, a managing director who started his career as a till packer in Pick-n-Pay and rose to top management, Mr Patrick Mahlangu, a successful entrepreneur, and founder of South Africa’s first Youth Owned Brands Awards (YOBA) and CEO of Lerato Agency. The strategic partners are Mr Grant Jooste from Batho Pele and Mrs Wendy Baloyi from Telkom, and Sir Jephrey Nene, W&R SETA Gauteng Provincial Manager. With this innovative pilot project, we are paving the way for a brighter future for the next generation of retail professionals. RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL Two conference articles were developed from the W&R SETA UJ Chair’s 2022 research reports and were presented at the Global Business and Technology (GBATA) conference held in Prague during July 2023. The two papers presented were: Stiehler-Mulder, B.E., Cunningham, N. & Mafuratidze, N. (2023). Exploring online shopping experience of low-income consumers in an emerging e-retailing market. Global Business and Technology Association (GBATA). Wait, M. & Stiehler-Mulder, B.E. (2023). Defining product selling and solution selling: A multimethod qualitative study. Global Business and Technology Association (GBATA). STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES ‘Eat Love Pray’ This captivating event on 5 April was graced by two renowned celebrities, Taz and Somizi. Taz, well-known for her exceptional abilities as a medium, provided the students with her insights and connection to the spiritual realm and shared profound life lessons. She left a truly lasting impression on the young and eager audience, guiding them towards self-discovery and a deeper understanding of their own potential. Multi-talented entertainer and radio and television personality, Somizi, contributed to the event with his vibrant personality and captivating presence. Somizi shared his valuable entertainment insights and advice with the aspiring youth. His words resonated deeply with the young attendees, encouraging them to pursue their dreams fearlessly and to embrace their unique talents. Students left motivated, energised, and equipped with a renewed sense of purpose and direction. The Chair’s mission is to empower and uplift the youth, guiding them towards a brighter and more prosperous future. First National Bank (FNB) A team from First National Bank (FNB) visited the youth on 25 April 2023. The enthusiastic team dedicated a full day to engaging and informing the youth about financial literacy. The session was filled with valuable insights, empowering the youth with essential knowledge about managing their finances effectively. We are grateful for the partnership and collaboration between FNB, the University of Johannesburg, and the School of Consumer Intelligence and Information Systems (SCiiS), and Prof Beate Stiehler-Muller Chair
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