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    The Degree Is Dead: SA’s IT Industry Prioritizes Power Over Paperwork

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    The Great Brain Drain: How South Africa’s Skilled Labour Exodus is Fuelling the Skills Shortage Horrors

    The latest instalment in the never-ending tale of woe for South Africa’s struggling tech industry: a survey from the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA) has revealed that the country’s skills shortage is reaching new heights, with employers more likely to prioritize experience over qualifications.

    The Data: A Disaster in the Making

    The survey, sponsored by Software One Experts SA, found that:

    • 47% of employers are prioritizing professional experience over formal education when recruiting new staff.
    • 27% of employers have current AI/ML skills shortages, with 32% expecting shortages in the future.
    • 19% of employers are struggling with data science skills gaps, 22% with data storage, and 27% with information security/cyber security.

    It’s a bleak picture, but let’s not sugarcoat it. The great brain drain is real, and it’s fuelling the skills shortage.

    The Silent Refugees: The Unstoppable Forces Behind the Exodus

    While some might see the migration of skilled labour from South Africa as a simple case of supply and demand, there’s more to it. The survey reveals that the silent refugees – those who have given up on the country’s talent-rich tech landscape and seek better opportunities abroad – are driving the exodus.

    • 49% of ICT practitioners are considering working remotely for an employer or client overseas.
    • 9% plan to do so, and 11% already do.
    • 8% describe themselves as digital nomads, living the dream (or nightmare, depending on your perspective) of perpetual travel and endless work opportunities.

    The writing is on the wall. The exodus of skilled labour from South Africa is a ticking time bomb, waiting to detonate and further exacerbate the skills shortage crisis.

    The Fix: A Plea for Change

    What can be done to stop the rot? For a start, IITPSA CEO Tony Parry has a stern warning: "The lack of progress in broadening STEM education and training programmes not linked to employment continues to contribute to the skills gaps. We need coordinated efforts to make candidates more work-ready when they enter the labour force, as well as more qualified educators to help academic institutions produce a larger pipeline of ICT professionals."

    In other words, the problem is not just about educating more people, but about making those people more employable. It’s a complex web of education, training, and upskilling that requires urgent attention.

    The Solution: Revolutionize the Way We Think About Skilled Labour

    We need to rethink the way we approach skilled labour in South Africa. It’s time to break free from the shackles of traditional education and instead focus on work-integrated learning, short courses, and certifications. We must also recognize the value of remote work and the gig economy in bridging the skills gap.

    It’s not a question of "either-or" – it’s a question of "and". We need education, training, and upskilling to go hand in hand. Anything less will only lead to a never-ending cycle of skills shortages and brain drain.

    The Future: A Glimmer of Hope?

    All hope is not lost. The IITPSA survey reveals that 65% of employers believe skills gaps have a moderate or high impact on their businesses. This means that there’s still time to act, to adapt, and to revolutionize the way we approach skilled labour in South Africa.

    It’s time to wake up to the reality of the skills shortage crisis and start building a brighter, more sustainable future for our country’s tech industry. The clock is ticking.

    aqiay
    Author: aqiay

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