Human Capital

Demand for technology professionals in South Africa has bounced back strongly in the second half of 2025, suggesting that the technology sector is turning a corner. This tech jobs rebound indicates renewed confidence in digital hiring. Our Job Market Trends Report for November 2025 shows meaningful signs of recovery for the IT sector after a prolonged slump from 2022 through to the first half of 2025.

As South Africa accelerates its digital transformation, the conversation around women in technology needs to become more practical and outcome-focused. While access to digital tools has improved, the real issue now is whether women are meaningfully participating in the decisions, development and leadership that shape how technology is used in the world of work.

At first, out‑of‑town work trips might have felt like a promotion. You represented the company, were sent to “make things happen”, flew Premium Economy, stayed in a fashionable hotel, networked and hopefully, secured new business. But after some time, red-eyes, quick turnarounds and other travel pressures started wearing thin. So, you begin checking out mentally. You wonder why this could not have been a Teams call. You also wonder why every “quick” trip requires intense preparation, domestic juggling and days of unscheduled recovery time.

Despite significant investment in employee benefits, many organisations still struggle. Employee engagement remains low. Healthcare expenses continue to rise. Productivity shows signs of decline. In many cases, the issue does not stem from underinvestment. Instead, it reflects a lack of insight. Even the most comprehensive medical coverage can fall short.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.