The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Business School in collaboration with the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) recently hosted an Inventory Management Training for Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises in the eThekwini Municipality at the Ritson Campus.
Funded by the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA), the training was aimed at transferring basic inventory management skills to micro business owners particularly spaza shop owners and informal traders. The participants were equipped with the learning outcomes in replenishing stock in a retail business, unpacking, storing, and labelling bulk stock, preparing and recording transactions to prevent shrinkage, and losses maintaining stock balances, preparing for the stock count, counting stock and performing post stock count housekeeping functions.
SEDA Branch Manager in Durban, Sibongile Sabela said the programme was a partnership between Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (Sedfa) and W&R Seta to build and strengthen the capacity of South African-owned spaza/tuckshops and general dealers operating primarily in the townships and rural areas.
“The programme provides non-financial support through a three-day training on inventory management. In addition, participants will be provided with financial support in the form of trading stock to the value of R4,000 each which will be followed with post-investment mentorship to ensure application of learning,” she said.
Sabela added that the programme will benefit participants in reviving their businesses and be more competitive as they would have been equipped with critical business skills plus free inventory that can be channelled towards more stock replenishment.
“This programme comes at an opportune time as modules being covered include stock replenishment, stock labelling, record keeping, and stock count all of which are necessary to ensure stock in the shelves is well accounted for and of good quality standards,” she said.
Sabela expressed her gratitude to DUT for partnering with them and providing its facilities and personnel to ensure the programme’s success. She also mentioned that follow-up training on quality management, and food handling is also in the pipeline.
Head of Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Postgraduate Diploma programmes at the DUT Business School Dr Bonginkosi Zondi said that participating in this training session reaffirms their commitment to community engagement.
“As a Business School, we share the view that community engagement is critical for the advancement of our society. We believe it is important for us to share our experience and expertise with our communities, particularly business people,” Dr Zondi said.
Dr Zondi commented that it was the first time that they had partnered with SEDA on a project of this nature and they are hoping to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with them to foster their relationship and ensure continued collaboration on business-related projects.
Speaking on the importance of community engagement Ms Phumzile Xulu, Engagement Practitioner at DUT concurred that community engagement is crucial in programmes that empower communities with skills and opportunities.
She stated that by tailoring training to local needs, the programme ensures relevance and encourages active participation while building trust and creating sustainable support networks for long-term success. She added that this approach will foster individual growth and contribute to broader social and economic development.
One of the participants, Khanyisa Cele from Inanda who runs a tuckshop in her backyard said the programme has been very helpful in assisting them to identify a lot of dynamics within their businesses such as making revenue, managing stock, pricing, and packaging.
Pictured: Attendees at the training workshop.
Thulasizwe Nkomo
