College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 78 The graduation ceremony, held at the University of Johannesburg, was a celebration of Baphile’s achievements and the impact of the W&R Seta Leadership Chair bursary in supporting future leaders. Baphile’s work not only highlights innovative strategies for enhancing employee morale but also exemplifies the transformative potential of leadership in the retail industry. Baphile’s accomplishment stands as a testament to his hard work and the support provided by the bursary. We congratulate him on this remarkable milestone and look forward to his continued contributions to the wholesale and retail sectors. Since inception, the W&R SETA Leadership Chair: Gauteng has awarded 7 Master’s and 4 PhD bursaries. Some of these bursary recipients will soon be graduating. We wish all our bursary recipients commitment, dedication and perseverance as they work towards completing their studies. Topics and photos of their graduations will be shared in our next volume. Wholesale and Retail SETA Leadership Chair hosts #Retailfit 2024 event The #RetailFit 2024 event, held on 30th August 2024 at the University of Johannesburg’s Library (Level 6), brought together retail professionals, academics, and students to explore the evolving retail landscape. Hosted by Dr. Semona Pillay, Chair of Wholesale and Retail Leadership at UJ, and co-hosted by Dr. E Strydom from Vaal University of Technology (VUT), the event facilitated impactful dialogue and innovative thinking. Additionally, VUT students were invited to network with UJ students enrolled in the Advanced Diploma in Retailing, fostering valuable connections and collaboration between institutions. Dr Semona Pillay and Dr E Strydom UJFM Interview The day began with a warm welcome from Dr. Pillay, followed by engaging icebreaker game that set a lively tone. Participants enjoyed “Common Ground Countdown,” where tablemates were given 5 minutes to uncover at least 5 things they had in common. This activity energised the room, fostering connection and collaboration among attendees. The event featured a series of compelling presentations from industry experts. Kabelo Makinta, an acclaimed digital marketing strategist and founder of Kasi Economy, delivered an inspiring talk on “The Kasi Economy: Unlocking the R178 Billion Untapped Retail Market.” His presentation shed light on the potential of township economies to drive growth and innovation in the retail sector. Nazim Cassim, CEO of Skyworth Digital Middle East and Africa and founder of the Retail Institute of South Africa (RISA), shared his perspectives on “The Diffusion of Innovation and Its Impact on Consumer Electronics Retail.” His insights into how emerging technologies are reshaping consumer behaviour provided valuable context for the future of electronics retail. Roy M. Shamhuyenhanzva, a lecturer at Vaal University of Technology and PhD candidate at North-West University, explored “The Future of Retail: Social Shopping and the Use of AI.” His discussion highlighted the transformative role of artificial intelligence in enhancing the shopping experience. Unathi Kildase, a global logistics specialist, captivated the audience with her presentation on “The Dynamic Faces of Retail.” She emphasised the complexities of global retail logistics and advised retailers on adapting their supply chain strategies to remain competitive. “Retailers need
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