BusinessBrief February/March 2026 edition is now available!
Read our exclusive cover story titled AI and the apprentice – a future of leaders without experience and wisdom? by Nokwethu Khojane, Director and CEO, GoSkillsCafe Recruitment, plus a host of other topical management articles written by professionals, consultants and academics.
Job market trends shaping careers in 2026
We released our Job Market Trends Report for December 2025. The release includes the Job Guide for the year ahead. The analysis highlights fierce competition for jobs with low barriers to entry. These barriers relate to experience and qualifications. At the same time, the data shows healthy demand for skills in healthcare, finance and information technology.
Career planning roadmap – are you job-ready?
2026 is here. The start of the new year offers an ideal opportunity to take stock of your life and make changes. If you want to take your career to a new level, January is a perfect time to plan a job search and get job-ready in 2026. It gives you a few weeks to prepare for February. This is when the recruitment cycle generally picks up. There are a few tips to get job-ready in 2026.
Employee benefits shape organisational culture and belonging
In South Africa’s diverse workforce, employees bring varied skills and experiences. They also bring different financial situations, family structures and personal priorities. Businesses should acknowledge this variety. However, the real opportunity lies in recognising that employee benefits are more than an HR function.
Illicit alcohol – a brewing threat to health and workplace safety
South Africa has one of the highest levels of alcohol consumption per capita in the world. The government has long used a sin tax to address this challenge. By steadily raising the price of alcohol, the aim is twofold. The policy seeks to discourage excessive drinking and generate revenue for public health initiatives. However, while the intention is clear, the reality is more complicated.
AI didn’t kill the job, it killed the junior years
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshapes how work is done, its most profound impact isn’t mass job losses, it’s the erosion of entry-level roles that once trained future leaders. This article explores how automation is hollowing out the talent pipeline, what it means for mentorship and succession planning, and why businesses must rethink how they develop the next generation of professionals.
Hiring your first employee – practical steps for SMEs
Hiring your first employee is a defining moment in your small business’s journey. This milestone can accelerate growth and improve profitability. However, it also comes with risks. Finding the right person will help you reach business goals, but the wrong hire could sap momentum, strain resources or even cause financial losses.
Starting a new job? Preparation, tips and success strategies
There are few life experiences quite as exciting and nerve-wracking as starting a new job. Whether you have just landed your first role or you are an experienced professional taking on a new challenge, the early days matter. These first days and weeks shape expectations and set the stage for long-term success. Starting a new job requires intention, awareness and preparation from the outset.
Dismissal decisions require consistency
Unprotected strikes will often merit dismissal where the employer has not provoked them. However, even in the absence of provocation, dismissal may still be unfair. This distinction is critical for employers navigating strike-related discipline. One factor that can bedevil an employer’s case is inconsistency in the decision to dismiss.
Seven days of work, still hungry – the reality of domestic...
The city is still dark when her alarm sounds. A faint digital chime cuts through the quiet as her children sleep. Her day begins long before sunrise. First comes the walk to the taxi rank. Then follows a crowded minibus ride and the slow crawl through Johannesburg’s traffic.






































