Rapid Expansion of Tech Jobs Anticipated in South Africa, Aligned with a Predicted 9.47% Global Technology Sector Growth
In the ever-evolving world of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), a new report titled "Decoding ICT Demand 2025" has highlighted the most sought-after junior ICT jobs in South Africa for the year 2024. These roles encompass software developers, web developers, IT support technicians, business analysts, and positions related to cybersecurity, data science, AI, machine learning, and DevOps.
The report underscores the importance of foundational skills for securing employment in these junior roles, especially in light of AI's growing impact. Key competencies include proficiency in popular programming languages like JavaScript, Python, and C#, understanding of AI and automation concepts, familiarity with cloud platforms and DevOps practices, cybersecurity awareness, technical support skills, and soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability to learn new technologies rapidly.
Participating in work-integrated learning experiences such as internships or apprenticeships that combine theoretical knowledge and practical experience is highly advantageous. The rise of AI particularly emphasizes the need for competencies in data handling, AI tools integration, and automation workflows to stand out in entry-level ICT jobs.
The report raises concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the entry-level job market, specifically for IT Support Technicians and software testers. These roles, which have historically served as entry points, are considered vulnerable to displacement by AI. A lack of AI skills will become a barrier to employment for junior ICT professionals, and equipping young people with foundational AI skills is crucial.
Despite a recent contraction in South Africa's ICT sector, a projected global annual growth rate of 9.47% for the technology sector offers hope for renewed growth in South Africa. The report identifies "zones of opportunity" for junior job seekers in the roles of software developers, web developers, and Microsoft developers.
Of the vacancies in South Africa's ICT sector for 2024, 35% are at the junior level, amounting to nearly 41,500 jobs. Proficiency in cloud platforms like Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud, as well as programming languages like TypeScript, significantly increases a junior software developer's chance of employment.
The report uses data from job portals like Pnet and Career Junction. It emphasizes that while AI may displace some jobs, it can also augment others in the ICT sector. The vacancy rate for 2024 in South Africa's ICT sector is 27.2%.
Junior ICT professionals can expect an average monthly salary of around R25,000, considered "economically transformative" compared to junior roles in other sectors. The study does not provide specific information about the local or global economic pressures that could lead to the displacement of entry-level jobs by AI or the contraction in South Africa's ICT sector.
Sources:
[1] Decoding ICT Demand 2025 report [2] Various news articles and industry reports [3] Interviews with ICT professionals and recruitment experts
- To secure a junior ICT job in South Africa for 2024, having proficiency in software like Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud, as well as programming languages such as TypeScript, is beneficial.
- The report suggests that education and self-development in AI skills is important for junior ICT professionals, as it could become a requirement to stand out in the rapidly evolving ICT sector, with roles like software developers and web developers identified as "zones of opportunity."
