Traditional ICT jobs are declining as the “big technology” trends encourage the need for AI and cloud skills.
Traditional ICT jobs are declining and confused by the moments and trends of “big technology,” says Rob Urquhart, executive for assessment impact and learning in Collective X.
Yesterday, the nonprofit organization (NPO) Collective X and ITS[–>partners We presented a refreshed research report entitled “Decode ICT Demand 2025: Understanding the South African ICT Job Market.”
This study reflects changes and opportunities around since 2022[–>digital The work and urgency that SAs need to move to solve the challenges of digital skills.
Urquhart said two trends are emerging. First, the growing work follows moments and trends of “big technology” such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML), and cloud. Second, the declining work is what is characterized as an entry level in the work of “traditional” ICT and its nature.
The most growing roles of ICT over the past two years are Cloud Engineer/Architect, Cybersecurity Specialist, Data Scientist/Engineer, AI and ML Engineer, and DevOps Engineer.
In contrast, there are fewer lower complexity jobs, such as network engineers (entry level), traditional database administrators, web developers (BASIC), IT help desk engineers (level 1), and computer operators.
“The demand for cloud engineering (Amazon Web Services Skillsets is the most in demand, followed by Azure) is driven by the ongoing adoption of cloud infrastructure in its digital transformation strategy.
“Cybersecurity, data science, AI, and machine learning (as organizations prioritize data-driven decision-making), and DevOps engineers have also shown significant growth over the past two years. Automation and cloud solutions are notable drivers of these shifts.”
The role of ICT with the highest growth and decline in the past two years.
Co-investment with employers supports junior ICT talent to acquire relevant digital skills through job-integrated learning. The NPO has raised over R600 million to provide support over the next five years, according to CEO Evan Jones.
For the report, we drew data from many sources, including anonymous data from 2024 provided by Offerzen, PNET's Stepstone group. Along with predictive insights, Collective X also analyzed STATS SA and SARS data for larger images and SARS data.
Research shows that global demand for basic web development has been reduced with the advent of no-code or low-coded platforms, but PNET and carrier junction datasets reveal that web developers are second-most in demand. Factors that contribute to the ongoing demand for this skill include:
High mobile penetration and[–>internet access: According to ICASA's 2025 ICT Sector Report, smartphone subscriptions have increased by 10.36% over the past year to 116.7 million mobile subscriptions. Currently, home internet access is over 78%, driving strong demand for mobile-optimized websites.
Continuous rise in e-commerce after Covid: Online shopping habits established during the pandemic have continued, urging online retailers to invest in safe, mobile-friendly, high-performance websites to meet consumer expectations.
Digital adoption by small and medium-sized businesses: These companies, which make up most of South Africa's economy, continue to increase their online presence, creating the ongoing needs for websites, e-commerce platforms and other digital tools.
Based on the PNET and carrier junction datasets, approximately 318,000 people were actively working in digital jobs in the country as of last year, Urquhart revealed.
Extrapolating vacancy data showed that the total number of digital skills opportunities was 118,000, bringing the total employment size and employment potential to 436,000.
“Of these 118,000 digital skills vacancy, estimates of appropriate opportunities for juniors, entry-level and early careers exceed 41,000. This provides photographs and landscapes to understand the range of opportunities present in young people at a macro level,” he said.
Punching holes in numbers, Collective X was able to classify job titles, show where the job was, and identify large categories.
According to Urquhart, 78% of South Africa's ICT jobs are in 20 positions. Software developers, web developers, IT engineers, business analysts and Microsoft developers are in the most demand.
It should be noted that the research report highlights the potential for great growth in SA's digital economy, and could be the engine that will drive it forward. It emphasizes that if appropriate support systems are in place, this is an important opportunity to address both the gap between youth unemployment and IT talent.
According to Jones, there are few areas in the South African economy that don't have employment issues. “We have more jobs than skills. We basically have skills issues, but if we can get this right, it could have a big impact on South Africa.”
The Western Cape and Gauteng continue to lead major employment hubs, particularly digital jobs, Urquhart says.
The PNET and carrier junction datasets show that jobs are gathered around the main economic hubs. The number of opportunities in Garten is more than twice as high as the Western Cape, with 18 021 and 855 respectively.
Junior developers are more likely to find employment in Cape Town/Stellenbosch (78%) versus Johannesburg/Pretoria (69%), but according to the Offerzen dataset, junior developers employed in Johannesburg compared to Cape Town have increased by 38%.
Looking at Cape Town/Sterlenbosch Nexus, Offersen's data shows that Cape Town is a hub for software developers, Urquhart said. It also shows how long you'll find work in the Cape Town/Sterrenbosch area in just 7 months, as opposed to just eight months in Johannesburg/Pretoria.
“There are more jobs in Johannesburg, but there are more jobs in Johannesburg, but there are shorter periods of work in Cape Town. If you're in the Cape Town/Stellenbosch area, your salary is also slightly better.
He added that Cape Town/Stellenbosch's growth as a high-tech hub is a contributing factor, particularly for startups, and could be a sign of the demand for skills that accompany it.
