South Africa’s troubled economy was already in the midst of a recession in early 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. And in a country where approximately 18% of the population is already living in poverty, the damage inflicted throughout 2020 compounded those struggles, resulting in major issues like food insecurity and significant job loss.
To add insult to injury, lockdown regulations still in effect in early 2021 had a devastating effect on the income of workers and their families. However, government subsidies and a slowly rebounding economy have resulted in major shifts in job acquisition. Skilled candidates are finding themselves able to re-enter the workforce––and with a population of nearly 60 million people, South Africa will need to accommodate with positions.
When it comes time for you to find work, the best way to set yourself apart from the rest is by getting an idea of the most in-demand jobs in South Africa right now. But before you dive into a job search, consider this: what skills are in high demand in South Africa? Once you have a solid understanding of which industry skills are on the rise, you will be much better prepared come interview time.
Check out our lists of the most in-demand skills and the most in-demand jobs in South Africa in 2022.
What Skills Are In High Demand in South Africa?
TOP 10: THE MOST IN-DEMAND SKILLS IN SOUTH AFRICA IN 2022
1. Software Development
Though relatively new to the digital world, South Africa has been a relevant player in the global tech markets for decades. And those businesses need developers. Specialised software development skills, frequently used by those who know their way around computer programs, are a growing commodity in the country and they will be in high demand into and beyond 2021.
Industries: Technology, Finance, Education
Job titles: Software Engineer, Systems Analyst, Full Stack Developer
2. Sales
Unlike other industries, supply and demand increased during the pandemic in Africa. Knowing how to harness the power to communicate effectively from business to business is a vital skill set. While often compared to language skills, dedicated sales abilities are invaluable when working across African and foreign markets. These types of jobs are extremely popular in South Africa and will continue to be highly sought-after well into the decade.
Industries: Retail, Wholesale, Hospitality, e-Commerce
Job titles: Business Manager, Sales Director, Supply Chain Specialist
3. Business Management
Communication, organization and adaptability. These are the sub-skills required for any suitable business management position. Despite the 2020 pandemic, certain companies in Cape Town and Johannesburg are experiencing live growth and they are looking to hire talented people with an eye for detail to oversee their accounts. These opportunities will likely remain in high demand for the foreseeable future.
Industries: Government, Marketing, Retail/Wholesale
Job titles: Project Manager, Risk Manager, Procurement Director
4. Information Technology
The more often people are online, the more data they will create––interpreting that data, predicting people’s next moves (whether those habits relate to shopping, streaming video or reading news sources) is an entire industry––and the key players at the forefront of keeping that industry working are those in Information Technology.
Industries: Information Technology, Government, Marketing, Retail
Job titles: Computer Network Architect, IT Coordinator, Network Administrator
5. Banking/High Finance
South Africa has a few central business hubs––like in Johannesburg and Cape Town––which happen to feature some of the continent’s largest financial firms. And despite the damage to key global business markets throughout Africa and the world in 2020, the recovery is beginning to gradually shift. As a result, candidates with financial skills are expected to be in high demand in 2021.
Industries: Finance, Compliance & Legal, Accounting, Business Planning
Job titles: Financial Analyst, Account Broker, Investment Advisor, Chartered Accountant
6. Languages
For decades, companies throughout South Africa have realized the significance of employing skilled language experts, like translators and linguists, to expand their communication platforms beyond the African market. Foreign investors are interested in South African’s continental resources and acquiring new business, so language skills are highly important and always in demand.
Industries: Legal, Marketing, Accounting, Education, Publishing
Job titles: Interpreter, Communications Specialist, Translators
7. Engineering
Solid engineering skills are highly sought after in South Africa across all types of industries––but especially within the infrastructure and environmental sectors, owing to the country’s abundant natural resources. One of the most important skills engineers can have is solid problem-solving solutions, as well as superior resolve when encountering inevitable daily obstacles.
Industries: Architecture, Government, City Planning,
Job titles: Agricultural Engineer, Civil Engineering Technologist, Draftsperson
8. Medicine/Nursing
At the height of the global pandemic of 2020, we were reminded of the importance of nurses and medical professionals to our lives (and our economies) –– but especially throughout Africa. While the planet is still reeling from the effects of COVID-19, healthcare in South Africa has taken a hard hit, one from which it will only recover with the right nursing professionals on hand. Post-COVID treatment for those still living with the disease will surely account for thousands of man-hours well into the next decade.
Industries: Private/Public Healthcare, Tourism, Education
Job titles: Intensive Care Nurse, Midwife, Nurse Practitioner, Hospital Administrator
9. Marketing
A valuable skill set that is always in demand, firms throughout South Africa look for candidates with the marketing tools necessary, like analysing demographics and promoting products, services and ideas to audiences. With pandemic restrictions lessening throughout the continent, and major worldwide progress expected by the end of 2021, there is likely to be an increase in growth for well-paying marketing jobs––especially in big cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Industries: Technology, Retail/Wholesale, Hospitality, Tourism
Job titles: SEO Specialist, Digital Marketing Manager, Marketing Editor
10. Customer Service
When individual economies experience hard times, you can often expect rebounds to occur in the form of localised unification and in-spending; when the world economy falls on hard times, the natural rebound occurs in the areas of travel, retail, tourism and hospitality––all of which require dedicated customer service candidates at all levels.
Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Wholesale, Tourism
Job titles: Human Resources Manager, Travel Agent, Company Secretary
Source: Grabjobs.co
