Boxer Superstores is a leader in the field of employee training and development. At this year’s Wholesale and Retail SETA Good Practice Awards, this excellence was recognized, again and again.
As the new South Africa continues to grow and develop it has been recognized that one of the major challenges facing South Africa is the development of skills, in a workforce where this area had been systematically neglected for decades.
The Retail sector employs almost 750,000 South Africans and, indirectly, many thousands more in service industries and supplier companies. It’s one of the few sectors in the economy where someone who starts their career at the bottom – as a part-time cashier, for example, or a shelf-packer – can with hard work, motivation and the correct opportunities make their way through the ranks to top management. Recognising this opportunity, Boxer has worked hard to develop the skills of staff at all levels of the business.
“Skills development has meshed its way into the DNA of Boxer Superstores; it is this genuine desire to improve the skills of Boxer staff at all levels that sets us apart from our competitors. Boxer is filled with examples of staff that came in as temporary or casual employees who now find themselves in senior management positions. We are proud that we are able to make a positive difference in so many of our people’s lives”, said HR Director Ian Bamber.
To meet the need of both businesses and their people, the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) were established in terms of the Skills Development Act of 2000. The Wholesale and Retail Sector was quick to organise, establishing the Wholesale and Retail SETA that same year, to facilitate skills development through the implementation of learning programmes, the disbursement of grants and monitoring of education and training. Today, there are 21 SETAs, each servicing a specific economic sector of the Country.
Last year, as a means of promoting and recognising excellence in education and training, the W&RSETA launched the W&RSETA Good Practice Awards. The only such event in South Africa, the Awards showcase innovation and acknowledge good practice in education and training in the Wholesale and Retail Sector. The various categories highlight excellence in individual progress, entrepreneurship and business commitment to the SETA’s goals.
Boxer Superstores was proud to be nominated in 5 categories, taking honours in several of these at the awards evening at the Sandton Convention Centre in late June. In the Super Large enterprises category, Boxer was ranked in the top three of the most influential retailers in skills development in South Africa. It was in the learner category, though, that Boxer really excelled. In the NQF Level 2-3 category, Boxer Superstores staff member Lindokwakhe Dumakude took second prize, while all three of the top positions in the NQF Level 5-6 category went to Boxer staff – Kenneth Rakgwabe in first, Glen Mabuza in second and Zukiswa Butu in third. “ I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Boxer’s passion for Skills Development,” said Branch Manager Kenneth Rakwabe.
“The nominated companies have demonstrated exceptional contribution in the Sector and it is fitting that they are not only celebrated amongst fellow industry peers but by the rest of South Africa. These companies and individuals have played a tremendous role in advancing skills development in the Sector, contributing to our country’s economic growth,” says W&RSeta Acting CEO Andile Sipengane.
South Africa’s skills development programme is one of the jewels in the crown of post-apartheid development. The recognition of Boxer Superstores at the W&RSETA Good Practice Awards demonstrates its commitment to staff development as one of the pillars of the business. [ENDS]
Media Contact: Prenella Ragavan
Tel: 031 275 7000
Email: prenellar@boxer.co.za