Retail MasterClass Series by UJ, VUT and W&R SETA

Join the W&R SETA Leadership Chair (University of Johannesburg) in strategic collaboration with the Vaal University of Technology for an engaging online Masterclass series by South African Retail experts Racy Hlahla, Dr Semona Pillay, Unathi Kildase and Charles Kotze.

Retail MasterClass Series
The W&R SETA Leadership Chair (University of Johannesburg) in strategic collaboration with the Vaal University of Technology proudly presents a four-part Online Masterclass Series from 4 - 7 August, featuring thought leaders and industry trailblazers from across the retail and technology spectrum. This dynamic series explores the intersection of digital innovation, customer experience and back-end technologies, offering cutting-edge insights for professionals, academics and students alike.

Each session is tailored to unpack emerging trends and provoke thought leadership in the retail space:

4 August | Emerging Trends in Retail and Retail Technology
Speaker: Racy Hlahla – Operations Manager at Markham (TFG)
With nearly two decades in retail, Racy shares his journey from the shop floor to senior leadership, unpacking key shifts in retail technology and customer engagement.
REGISTRATION LINK: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lytCGp5aR3OCen8J_s283g#/registration

5 August | The Digital Retail Consumer
Speaker: Dr Semona Pillay – Lecturer, UJ
A leader in marketing and retail research, Dr Pillay explores evolving consumer behaviours in digital retail spaces and the role of academic collaboration in shaping future-ready talent.
REGISTRATION LINK: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qsfceSJGSIu7Wbq_nIh5NA#/registration

6 August | Technology and Customer Experience
Speaker: Unathi Kildase – VP Game & Doctoral Candidate
Unathi reflects on the synergy between technology and the customer journey, highlighting how empowering women and embracing continual learning fuel innovation in the sector.
REGISTRATION LINK: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qsfceSJGSIu7Wbq_nIh5NA

7 August | Back-End Retail Technologies
Speaker: Charles Kotze – Country Manager, RELEX Solutions
Bridging the gap between supply chain tech and strategic goals, Charles demystifies retail logistics and the impact of digital transformation behind the scenes.
REGISTRATION LINK: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bmOwpb2nRL6kz04lbL1d3Q#/registration

Please ensure you register for the individual events you are interested in, in order to receive the Zoom links.

Date: 04 August 2025 to 07 August 2025
Time: 17:00 - 18:00
Venue: Online, Johannesburg
Cost: Free

More info: Registration: Participants must register in order to receive the Zoom links to the classes.