South Africa’s skills gap affects digital economy, 4IR progress
The ongoing tech skills gap in South Africa is endangering its tech economy and 4IR (4th Industrial Revolution) progress, said professional skills development firm Skills Development Corporation (SDC).
In a 2022 hiring trends report, the tech industry ranked first – with 25 of its roles coming out as the most in-demand in SA’s hiring market.
However, the sector continues to record an unfulfilled demand for skilled professionals and struggles to fill thousands of ICT vacancies.
SDC CEO Daniel Gibhard explained that the search for tech workers would continue as 4IR innovations shape the world.
Skills associated with artificial intelligence, the internet of things, blockchain, automation, data science, and programming are the most in-demand, but also the scarcest in the field.
Gibhard added that having the “desire to learn and self-upskill oneself” is important for employees “to ensure they are equipped to meet the ever-changing trends of their respective industry.”
According to the 2021 ICT Skills Survey, the “chronic shortage” of talents is the biggest challenge in the tech industry this year and poses a huge threat to South Africa’s progress into the 4IR.