By Tebogo Makgatho, CEO, Netcampus Group | 2024 Tech Woman of the Year | ICT Skills Advocate
South Africa is facing a youth unemployment crisis, with 63.9% of young people (ages 15-24) jobless (StatsSA, 2023). While many blame a sluggish economy, the real issue runs deeper – a massive mismatch between the skills young people have and those employers need.
A 2023 report by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) reveals that over 50% of South African graduates lack the skills demanded by the job market. Employers consistently report shortages in:
“Technical generalists – especially those fluent in programming languages like Python and familiar with cloud platforms such as Azure, are in high demand across AI and infrastructure teams.” (Business Insider, 2024)
At GovTech 2025, we’ll debate cutting-edge systems like the Citizen Super App and blockchain procurement. But none of these matters if we lack skilled professionals to implement them.
At GovTech 2025, the Netcampus Group will showcase how South African organisations can move “From Classroom to Cloud: Scaling SA’s Tech Talent Pipeline”. The Netcampus Group will share:
South Africa’s youth can’t afford to wait. If we don’t act now, the skills gap will keep widening inequality and stunting economic growth. It’s time to bridge the gap, because every young person deserves a fair shot at a decent job.
What do you think? Should skills training be a national priority? Drop your thoughts below.
#GovTech2025 #SITA #NetcampusGroup #UnlockYourPotential #SkillsForJobs #YouthEmployment
