College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 71 W&R SETA GAUTENG WELCOMES NEW CHAIR The W&R seta welcomes Dr Semona Pillay as the new chair from Dr Beate Stiehler-Mulder. Dr Pillay, a recent PhD graduate in Marketing Management and a Lecturer in the Department of Marketing Management at UJ – is renowned as one of the Most Impactful Researchers in Africa. Her passion lies at the intersection of Marketing and Retailing. Throughout her academic career at UJ, spanning 9 years, she has made significant strides in helping to reshape and re-define the landscape of retail education. As a dedicated educator, Semona has transformed the Diploma in Retail Business Management programme, changed students’ perceptions of Retailing and enhanced the program to improve graduate success and employability. Dr Pillay’s expertise extends to Marketing communications, Digital Marketing, and Consumer Behaviour. Her commitment to inspiring the minds of future leaders is evident in her teaching and research. With a focus on bridging the gap between industry and academia, Semona is determined to position graduates as industry-ready professionals. Her leadership has been instrumental in imparting knowledge and fostering an environment where Wholesale and Retail Seta Leadership Chair (GAUTENG)(WRSLC) Dr Semona Pillay Chairholder students can thrive and excel. As W&R Seta Leadership Chair, Dr. Pillay brings a wealth of academic experience and dedication to student development. She aims to navigate collaborative opportunities, anchor knowledge creation, and chart a course towards a future where every student’s potential is not just realized but celebrated. In an interview on the 8th of August 2024, we had the honour of celebrating Dr. Semona Pillay, the current W&R SETA Leadership Chair: Gauteng. This special occasion was not just about acknowledging her new role but also celebrating the achievements and resilience of women who are making a significant impact in their respective fields. Dr. Pillay’s ascent to the role of Chair is a remarkable example of courage and ambition. After completing her PhD, she boldly decided to apply for the Chair position. This significant step required both confidence and determination. Her journey underscores the importance of seizing opportunities and embracing challenges, even when self-doubt may arise. Dr. Pillay’s leap of faith not only highlights her personal resilience but also serves as an inspiration to others to pursue their goals and step into leadership roles. Throughout her journey, Dr. Pillay received unwavering support from key figures, particularly former Chair Dr Beate Stiehler-Mulder, HoD of the Department of Marketing Management, Dr Isolde Ward, Mr. Sandile Maseko and Mr. Norman Mafuratidze. Their guidance and encouragement helped her to adapt quickly and gain a deeper understanding of the initiative’s goals. Since stepping into her role, Dr. Pillay’s experience as the Leadership Chair has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. She has had to navigate the complexities of presenting at learning sessions to other Chairs from various institutions and ensuring that all research projects under her leadership are completed and submitted on time. Despite these challenges, she has embraced the journey with determination and grace. A key highlight of her tenure has been the exceptional performance of her team. Dr. Pillay spoke warmly about how her team has risen to every challenge, ensuring that everything is excelled in, timeous, and efficient. She acknowledged their hard work and dedication,
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