Skills Training & Development
The skills gap in South Africa is a complex and multifaceted problem driven by various factors, including the legacy of Apartheid, the brain drain after 1994, technological advancements, the COVID-19 pandemic and other systemic economic issues. While the technical skills are often present, there is a notable deficit in foundational, cognitive and soft skills, all of which which are necessary for effective performance in the modern workplace. This deficiency not only hampers individual productivity, but also stifles innovation and economic growth at the national level.
The influence of technology on the work environment is another considerable factor. Technological progress has transformed the nature of work globally, creating new job opportunities while rendering some traditional roles obsolete. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, emphasising the need for digital literacy, cybersecurity and remote collaboration skills.
The shift to remote work and digital platforms has highlighted the inadequacies in the current education and training systems, which were not designed to cope with such rapid changes. This has resulted in a widened skills gap, particularly affecting lowskilled workers and those in the informal sector.
In South Africa, industries such as renewable energy and digital technology are expanding, yet they face a critical shortage of skilled workers. For instance, the green hydrogen economy is poised to become a significant player, requiring thousands of engineers, technicians and artisans. However, the lack of specialised training and education in these areas poses a major hurdle. As we stand on the brink of a new era, recognising and adapting to the profound changes shaping the world of work becomes an imperative.
According to the Institute for the Future, a US-based think tank, 85 % of the jobs that today’ s students will hold by 2030 have not yet been created. This highlights the need for a workforce that is equipped with the skills to thrive in an increasingly dynamic environment. In South Africa, this reality is evidenced by a recent slight improvement in the graduate unemployment rate, which dropped from 10.6 % in the first quarter of 2023 to 9.6 % in the second quarter.
Addressing the skills gap requires a comprehensive and strategic approach that involves multiple stakeholders, including the government, educational institutions, the private sector and civil society. There are several key recommendations for addressing this gap. www. futuresa. co. za 79