Top Skills in Demand in South Africa

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Careers, Courses, and Top Skills in Demand in South Africa
• Conclusion
• Bonus Points

Introduction

Whether you are based in South Africa, or planning to relocate, it is worth knowing about the top skills in demand in South Africa. In this blog, we detail the domains and careers that are in demand in South Africa, which will give you insights into the in-demand skills you need to build in order to polish your competitive advantage.

Careers, Courses, and Top Skills in Demand in South Africa

The South African Government has released the Official 2024 National List of Occupations in High Demand. This report lists the careers in demand in South Africa, supported by empirical research, so you can decide which pathway is ideal for your goals. 

Here are some of the top careers listed in the report, with our recommendations for the best Short Courses to help you build the top skills in demand in South Africa:

1. Environment, Health and Safety: 

The Report lists several EHS roles, including Health & Safety Manager, Sustainability Manager, Environmental Manager, Environmental Scientist, Water Quality Analyst, Environmental Impact and Restoration Analyst, Environmental Health Officer, and SHE&Q Practitioner. These roles are expected to be in demand going into 2025, too, thanks to strong Health & Safety regulations enforced across industries. 

Interested in EHS? Try our Diploma in Environment, Health & Safety

• Benefits: 100% Online, Self-Paced and Free to Learn
• Topics:  The history of safety regulations, concepts of workplace safety management & laws, Hazard Management, Environmental Safety, and more. 
• Learning Duration: 1-2 weeks 

2. Human Resources:

The same Report lists several HR careers that are in demand in South Africa. These include Human Resources Manager, Recruitment Manager, Human Resource Advisor, Training & Development Professional, Recruitment Officer, Payroll Clerk, and others. If these roles sound interesting, you can begin exploring a future career in HR in South Africa. 

Interested in HR? Try UniAthena’s Mastering Human Resources Management

• Benefits: 100% Online, Self-Paced and Free to Learn
• Topics: Introduction to Human Resources Management, Manpower Planning & Recruitment, Leading & Motivating Employees, and conducting Employee Appraisals. 
• Learning Duration: 1 week

3. Business Administration: 

South Africa is experiencing a boom in the demand for Business Administration roles. The Report lists roles like Senior Government Manager, Director, Corporate General Manager, Director of Marketing, Small Business Manager, Departmental Head, Business Administrator, Business Development Officer, Management Consultant, and Management roles across different industries. 

Interested in Business Administration? Try UniAthena’s Diploma in Business Administration

• Benefits: 100% Online, Self-Paced and Free to Learn
• Topics: Finance Management, Marketing, Human Resources Management, and Operations.
• Learning Duration: 1-2 weeks

4. Contract Management:

The South African Government also found demand for Contract Managers across industries, making it a lucrative career pathway and among the top skills in demand in the country. 

Interested in Contract Management? Try UniAthena’s Executive Diploma in Procurement & Contract Management

• Benefits: 100% Online, Self-Paced and Free to Learn
• Topics: Drawing up Procurement Contracts with Vendors and Suppliers, Procurement Positioning, Procurement Measurement, and Supply Chain Integration. 
• Learning Duration: 3-4 weeks 

5. Data Careers:

Data Skills are rising in South Africa’s list of top skills in demand. So careers in Data, including Data Management Manager, Data Scientist, Database Designer & Administrator, and Data Entry Operator, are among the high-paying jobs in South Africa. [with variation depending on location, organisation size, expertise, etc.]

Interested in Data Analytics? Try UniAthena’s Diploma in Data Analytics

• Benefits: 100% Online, Self-Paced and Free to Learn
• Topics: Business Data, Decision-Making with Data, Business Analytics, Foundation of Analytics, Analytical Applications & Methodologies
• Learning Duration: 1-2 weeks 

6. Finance:

The Report lists Finance Managers, Credit Managers, General Accountants, Management Accountants, Tax Professionals, External Auditors, Financial Accountants, Forensic Accountants, Financial Investment Advisors, Internal Auditors, Insurance Loss Adjuster, Insurance Agent, Insurance Broker, Accounts Clerk, Cost Clerk, Taxation Clerk, Insurance Claims Administrator and Payroll Clerk.  

Interested in Finance? Try UniAthena’s Diploma in Public Finance

• Benefits: 100% Online, Self-Paced and Free to Learn
• Topics: Public Finance & its Importance, key players in Public Finance, Components of Public Finance, and Sources of Revenue Generation & Expenses
• Learning Duration: 1-2 weeks

7. Project Management 

The South African Government has also found Project/Programme Managers to be in demand, including Construction Project Managers, ICT Project Managers, and Program/Project administrators. Project Management is poised to be among the top skills in demand in the country. 

Interested in Project Management? Try UniAthena’s Executive Diploma in Project Management

• Benefits: 100% Online, Self-Paced and Free to Learn
• Topics: Project Management Fundamentals, Planning & Initiation, Project Execution & Monitoring, Project Control, Closure & Trends
• Learning Duration: 3-4 weeks 

8. Health Services

The report also highlights that Health Services Professionals are in demand, particularly Health Service Specialised Clinic Managers. The growing demand for Nurses, Physicians, and Specialists will automatically translate into a greater demand for Healthcare Administrators who will oversee them. 

Interested in Health Services? Try UniAthena’s Executive Diploma in Healthcare Management

• Benefits: 100% Online, Self-Paced and Free to Learn
• Topics: Management & Organizational Behavior in Healthcare Settings, Strategic Planning, Marketing & Governance in Healthcare, Promoting Healthy Behaviours, Spreading Awareness, Budgeting & Quality Control in Healthcare.
• Learning Duration: 3-4 weeks

Conclusion

We hope this blog has offered you some insight into the high-paying jobs in South Africa, along with the top skills in demand in South Africa. We also recommended the ideal Short Courses to help you build the top skills in demand and enter the competitive job market in South Africa. 

Bonus Points:

• Upskilling is known to increase productivity, profitability, and career longevity – so regardless of your domain, don’t forget to keep Upskilling!
• In 2025 Career Projections, IT & Cyber Security careers are also taking off in South Africa, along with most of the domains rising in 2024.