How AI Is Changing the Skills You Need to Get Hired in South Africa
AI is already here, and it’s changing how people get hired in South Africa. But instead of taking all the jobs, it’s also creating new ones.
So what does this mean for you? Simple: you need to start building the right skills now. You don’t need to be a robot expert. You just need to know how to work with AI, not against it.
Let’s break it down.
What the WEF Says About AI and Jobs
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, AI will impact 23% of all jobs globally by 2027.
“AI is expected to create more jobs than it will take away.” – WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025
Over 75% of companies say they’ll adopt AI, robots, or smart software soon. But here’s the problem: millions don’t have the right skills to keep up.
SEE: Careers on the rise in South Africa
Skills You Need in the Age of AI
You don’t need a tech degree, but you do need to be digitally ready. Here’s what employers are looking for:
1. Digital Literacy
- Know how to use email, Word, Excel, Google Docs
- Be comfortable using a smartphone and computer
2. Data Skills
- Learn Excel or Google Sheets
- Understand basic charts and numbers
3. AI Basics
- Know how tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, or Canva work
- Try free AI tools to get familiar
4. Problem-Solving
- Think logically
- Solve everyday work problems without waiting for help
5. Communication
- Write clearly
- Speak simply
- Work well in teams
6. Flexibility
- Be ready to learn new tools
- Don’t fear tech, grow with it
Jobs That Are Safe (For Now)
These jobs are harder for AI to replace and are expected to grow:
- Nurses, caregivers, social workers
- Teachers, tutors, school assistants
- Designers, creators, photographers
- Solar panel installers, water system workers
- Cybersecurity and IT support
These roles require emotions, creativity, or hands-on work (things AI isn’t good at).
Jobs AI Is Already Replacing
Some jobs are disappearing fast:
- Cashiers
- Data entry clerks
- Telemarketers
- Typists and admin clerks
- Bank tellers
These jobs are repetitive and easy for machines to do.
How to Learn AI-Proof Skills for Free
You don’t need money to start learning. These platforms are free:
SAYouth.mobi
Great for local job listings and basic courses
Coursera.org
Learn Excel, AI basics, and soft skills
Google Skills for Africa
Digital tools, business, and online safety
Digify Africa
Social media, design, and digital marketing
SEE: Free Skills Training Programs that Lead to Job Placement in South Africa
What to Learn First
Start small. Try one of these beginner topics:
- How to use AI to perform small tasks
- How to communicate effectively
You Don’t Need to Be a Tech Expert
Even small tools help:
- ChatGPT to write a CV
- Google Maps to find jobs
- YouTube to learn new skills
- Canva to make simple designs
Showing that you use modern tools makes you more hireable.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait, Start Now
AI isn’t something to fear, it’s something to work with.
Start by learning one new skill this week. Keep updating your CV. Stay curious.
What You Can Do Today
- Try a free course on Google Skills or Coursera
- Update your CV with tools you’ve used (like Excel or Canva)
- Share this article with a friend and leave us a comment if you found this helpful.
