Employers fund costly retraining as South African tech graduates arrive unprepared for modern, high-demand digital roles.

TechCentral

South African tech graduates lack practical skills in cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI, and software development, forcing employers to fund costly retraining programs. Only 32% of employers now require university degrees for tech roles, with 47% prioritizing hands-on experience and certifications instead. Universities face lengthy approval processes for curriculum changes, while private providers adapt more quickly. Low STEM completion rates and curriculum misalignment with industry needs are widening the skills gap, threatening South Africa's digital competitiveness.

SA tech graduates arrive in jobs unprepared as skills gap widens