An impact evaluation of a retail business skills training programme

Includes bibliographical references.The South African retail industry is growing significantly and increasingly becoming an important contributor to the country's economic growth. The industry grew by 5.9 percent in 2011, in terms of sales, compared to 3.6 percent decline in 2009. According to figures provided by the Statistics South Africa (StatsSA), the industry contributed six percent to the entire South African economy and 23 percent towards total employment in the country. Despite the growing significance of the industry in the South African economy, the industry is still marred with chronic challenges of poor education and skills shortages. Major players in the industry indicated that these challenges are the main impediments to potential higher growth