How to meet South Africa’s ICT skills shortage in months, not years
Despite having 24 public higher education institutions, South Africa’s education system is struggling to keep up with the demands of an expanding technology ecosystem. This shortage is aggravated by the emigration of skilled workers, and a system that may not adequately prepare students for today’s digital economy and big tech.
While the country is advancing in technology, the workforce driving this progress is buckling under its weight. A recent information and communication technology (ICT) skills survey reveals a shortfall of around 77 000 high-value digital jobs in South Africa, with an additional 300 000 technology positions being outsourced abroad. The broader picture shows a 45.5% unemployment rate among youth aged 15–34, and 51.7% of workers are in jobs for which they lack the necessary educational qualifications.
A key takeout from the survey finds there are significant shortfalls in big data design, data analytics, data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning, among others. The opportunities are there – how do we fill the skills gap?
Challenges are presented by upskilling through traditional tertiary education – including slow adaptability to the changing job market – but there are clear paths to getting future-proof skills that are aligned with job vacancies in the ICT sector.
Gaining these skills through bootcamps that run for a number of weeks has become a popular option for those looking to begin working quickly, or who can’t afford a four-year degree in the likes of computer science at public institutions. In practical terms, platforms that offer courses in web development, AI and data science can provide affordable and accessible training, helping people find employment in a matter of months and also mitigating the skills shortage.
Additionally, initiatives such as hackathons, coding competitions and online bootcamps can showcase students’ abilities and connect them with potential employers. These are not always part of the state-funded collection of academic institutions and are available in multifold, especially in a tech capital like Cape Town, which is pushing to be Africa’s leading tech hub. These pathways will not only benefit those looking for work in a country affected by over 45% unemployment but will also grow the ICT economy.
While our feeds are saturated with the assumed threat of AI taking people’s jobs away, this new technology has actually given rise to a number of job opportunities. According to the February 2024 Pnet. Job Market Trends Report, there has been a 182% increase in professional positions related to AI, with Gauteng’s job market showing a 63% demand for AI employees and the Western Cape indicating a 19% demand. The top AI related jobs include data scientists, data engineers, software developers and machine learning specialists.
This is further evidence that while the job market’s demands are rapidly changing, so must our approach to gaining the skills employers are looking for.
As South Africa’s technology sector continues to expand, the growing ICT skills gap presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Pathways like bootcamps and specialised courses offer a viable solution for those seeking to quickly gain relevant, future-proof skills that can be applied before they become irrelevant. By embracing these opportunities, individuals can not only secure jobs within the evolving tech landscape but also contribute to closing the skills gap, driving innovation and strengthening the nation’s economy.
The time to act is now – those who adapt will thrive in the digital age.
Ryan Brouwer
Campus Manager
Image credit: DC Studio/Freepik
