3. The W&R SETA Research Symposium, held on 18 September, 2025, brought together a dynamic mix of researchers and other stakeholders to bridge the research and practice gap, ensure that knowledge drives meaningful transformation across the sector and to foster collaboration that supports South Africa’s evolving retail landscape. Since its inception, the W&R leadership chair has completed 14 research projects focused on key industry challenges. To effectively disseminate research findings and ensure they reach the relevant stakeholders for maximum impact on the sector, Dr Semona Pilay launched a dedicated research dissemination series. Concise abstracts of each project were shared on the University’s Facebook page and LinkedIn, broadening accessibility to a diverse audience, whilst fostering active engagement and discussion. The contract concluded on 28 February 2026. Although the contract ends, the relationships, insights, and systems built in 2025 position the sector for sustained growth, innovation, and longterm transformation. Writing retreat The two-day W&R Leadership Chair Learning Session Africa by Bus: History and impact of Indian Trade Route, Zimbabwe 54 College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2025
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