Sdigital skillsBridging
Sdigital skillsBridging the great divideThought leaders urge skillsdevelopment focus, following SONAThe Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA) and Professional CIOs (Pr.CIOs) have welcomedthe emphasis on digital technology in Ramaphosa’s SONA, but have called for more focus on digital skills development.IBy IITPSAIn his address, the president noted that technology could transformthe way that government works and committed to investing in digitalpublic infrastructure to give South Africans access to governmentservices. “To support growth in digital services and business processoutsourcing, we are investing in skills development for the industriesof the future,” he said.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSIITPSA Pr.CIO and founder and CEO of eTSHADI ConsultingServices, Dr Sylvia Sathekge, says, “Beyond simply acknowledging itsimportance, the address outlines concrete initiatives where technologyplays a central role: from streamlining government services throughdigital infrastructure and identity programmes, to modernising keysectors like mining and healthcare with digital platforms and analytics.“The commitment to harnessing technology to improveinfrastructure (rail systems) and boost related sectors like tourismsignals a welcome shift towards practical application. As a technologythought leader and digital transformation specialist, I find thisintegrated approach encouraging, particularly the focus on digitalskills development and the creation of a transformation fund toempower innovation. Crucially, this must be coupled with robust digitalskills development programmes to empower citizens to participate inthe digital economy. Furthermore, as we embrace these technologies,cybersecurity must be a paramount concern, requiring proactivestrategies and investment to safeguard our digital infrastructureand data. However, the success of these ambitious plans will dependheavily on robust governance and oversight, as rightly emphasised inthe address, to ensure responsible implementation and maximise thebenefits for all South Africans.”“It is important that we look, not only at investment in skillsdevelopment in respect of new talent entry and new industries in theSouth African digital economy, but also the need to cross-skill/upskill/reskill some of the existing talent already active in the economy – thisincludes the basic digital skills needed to use digital tools to executesimple daily tasks,” adds IITPSA CEO, Tony Parry.“Government needs to recognise that long-term economic growthrequires mass employment opportunities for young people as theyleave the education environment. Employment does not necessarilymean becoming a staff member of an enterprise – it can include selfemploymentas an entrepreneur using the technologies of the 2020s.The lack of meaningful progress in broadening the take-up of STEMsubjects at schools and beyond means that we are stifling our capacity32 | Service magazine
digital skillsSto feed South Africans into the skills pipeline that the president’stechnology-based projects will desperately require,” IITPSA Fellow,Adrian Schofield, notes.AN AI-ENABLED GOVERNMENTBryan Baxter, member of the IITPSA Cyber Security Special InterestGroup (SIGCyber), says, “AI can help to digitise government services,create jobs and drive economic growth. It can streamline publicservices, making it easier and faster for citizens to access key services.This includes applying for permits, managing digital identities orinteracting with the government online. This would enable greaterefficiency and a more responsive public sector. Reskilling and upskillingthe government workforce will be critical. The government shouldinvest in AI training programmes and digital skills development.“Just as technology innovation provides new opportunities, it alsohas risks. All new technologies should be implemented securely.Cyber criminals are also exploiting AI. They will be actively looking totake advantage of potential vulnerabilities in any new governmentalservices. Robust cybersecurity defences will be critical to ensurethe resilience of a digitised government and to protect citizens’confidential data,” he explains.AI can help to digitisegovernment services, createjobs and drive economic growth.THE ROLE OF WOMENThenzie Stewart, chair of the IITPSA’s Women in IT (WIIT) Chapter,says, “The alarming decline in mathematics and science performance,particularly among young women, remains a critical concern. Thisdecline threatens the pipeline of women entering STEM careers,leaving them at a disadvantage in the digital economy. Additionally, thelack of awareness surrounding data protection laws further exposesfemales to risks in both career opportunities and digital safety. To closethis gap, we must invest in STEM education, promote digital literacyand create safer online spaces for women, ensuring they are equippedto lead and innovate in the tech-driven future.“Collaboration between the government and organisations likeWIIT can play a crucial role in developing targeted programmesthat encourage and support women in STEM careers. This includesfunding scholarships, facilitating mentorship opportunities andlaunching awareness campaigns to inspire young women.” SSONA 2025:skills developmentExcerpts from the State of the Nation Address byPresident Ramaphosa, February 2025.The most sustainable way to build an economy is toequip people with the skills to drive it. Our aim is tocreate a more conducive environment for attractingskills and enabling companies to invest in South Africa.We will be strengthening the connection between theskills we develop and the skills the workplace needs, toensure we capacitate people with relevant skills to enterthe job market with confidence.EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLEOur new approach to skills development links skillstraining directly to the demand in the economy.This year, the National Skills Fund will provideR800-million to develop skills in the digital andtechnology sector through an innovative model thatlinks payment for training to employment outcomes.The pay-for-performance initiative has enabled4 500 young people to access workplace experiencein line with the Presidential Youth EmploymentIntervention programme which seeks to develop anagile workforce.WORK OPPORTUNITIESThe Youth Employment Service (YES) programmeis a business-led collaboration that was establishedtogether with private sector partners. It was introducedto stimulate job creation and create one-million qualitywork experiences for unemployed black youth. TheYES programme has to date created over 86 500 workexperiences for young people. We will be increasingthe value and expanding the criteria for participation inthe Employment Tax Incentive to encourage companiesto hire new work seekers. The changes will also make iteasier for small businesses to hire young people.TVET COLLEGESWe launched the zero-rated South African Youthmobi platform, which provides pathways for youths toemployment, learning and youth enterprise. To date,over 3.3-million young people have registered on theplatform and more than 894 877 have been placed inlearning opportunities.DIGITAL WORK ACCELERATORWe are on track to implement the Global BusinessServices Master plan and the Digital Work Acceleratorto drive job creation in the digital and tech sector. It isaimed at upskilling young people.Service magazine | 33
