Jobs That Are Disappearing in South Africa – WEF 2025 Report

World Economic Forum - Disappearing Jobs — Jobs That Are Disappearing in South Africa

Jobs in South Africa are changing fast. Driven by automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and global economic changes, many traditional careers are slowly fading away. According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs Report 2025, over 6 million South African workers (approximately 36% of the workforce) face potential skills disruptions by 2030.

That sounds scary, but there’s also good news. If you know which jobs are going away, you can prepare and learn something new in time.

Let’s look at the jobs that are disappearing and what you can do about it.

What the Report Says About South Africa’s Job Market

The WEF (World Economic Forum) says South Africa is one of the countries most affected by job loss. Big changes like new technology, online services, and the economy are causing jobs to disappear.

Here’s why:

Machines are doing human jobs. Robots and computers can now do things faster and cheaper.
More people use the internet. We shop, bank, and even study online now.
Companies are cutting costs. They are using technology to save money and need fewer workers.
Green Transition: The move towards sustainable practices is altering industry needs.

Also, many South Africans don’t have the skills needed for the new kinds of jobs that are coming. That’s why it’s important to see which jobs are going away so you can avoid getting stuck.

These factors are compounded by a high unemployment rate of 32.1% and a youth unemployment rate of 34.2% . The mismatch between current workforce skills and emerging job requirements worsen the situation.

Top 10 Jobs That Are Disappearing in South Africa

WEF Declining Jobs in South Africa — Source: World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2025

Here are the jobs most likely to disappear in the next few years:

1. Bank Tellers

People now use banking apps and ATMs. So, banks don’t need as many tellers at the branch.

2. Data Entry Clerks

These are people who type information into computers. Today, software can do that automatically.

3. Cashiers

Many stores now use self-checkout machines. Also, online shopping means fewer people go to physical shops.

4. Secretaries and Admin Workers

Tools like email, calendar apps, and voice assistants now do the job of many admin staff.

5. Payroll and Bookkeeping Clerks

Businesses now use online systems to do payroll and accounts, so they need fewer people to do the job.

6. Factory Line Workers

Machines can now build and pack products faster than humans in many factories.

7. Telemarketers

People don’t like getting sales calls anymore. Also, companies now use chatbots and automated messages.

8. Post Office Workers

Because of email and instant messages, fewer people send letters. That means less work at the post office.

9. Typists

Office workers now type their own reports. Voice typing and autocorrect also help, so dedicated typists are not needed anymore.

10. Print and Newspaper Workers

Most people now read news online. The printing press is slowly dying, and so are the jobs that go with it.

Why These Jobs Are Declining – The 5 Big Reasons

1. Automation and AI

Machines and algorithms perform tasks faster and more accurately than humans, leading to job displacement in roles involving repetitive tasks.

2. Changing Customer Habits

People prefer fast and self-service options like online apps or self-checkouts.

3. Remote Work Trends

The rise of remote work decreases the demand for on-site administrative support and related roles.

4. Shift to Online Services

Consumer preference for online services reduces the need for physical storefronts and associated staff.

5. Companies Want to Save Money

Companies are cutting jobs that can be done by software or machines to save costs.

Who Is Most Affected?

Post Office Retrenchment — Post Office struggles to stay open under business rescue – 4512 employees retrenched

Young people who are just starting to look for work
Older workers who have done the same job for many years
People without digital skills (those who don’t use computers or the internet often)
Rural workers who have less access to training and new job info

What To Do If Your Job Is on the List

Don’t panic. You can still turn things around.

WEF Skills on the Rise — Share of employers that consider skills to be increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable in importance. Skills are ranked based on net increase. Source: WEF 2025 Report

Here’s how:

Learn new skills – You don’t have to go to university. Short courses help too.
Take online classes – Use free platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or SAYouth.mobi.
Look at growing fields – Health, digital work, customer support, and green energy are all hiring.
Join job programs – There are free programs that help people change careers or improve their skills.

Technological skills are projected to grow
in importance more rapidly than any other type of
skills.

Jobs You Can Switch To (With Some Training)

Let’s say your job is disappearing, what can you do instead?

Here are some ideas:

From Cashier → Customer Support Assistant (with digital skills)
From Data Entry → Junior Data Analyst (with a free data course)
From Secretary → Project Assistant (after learning planning tools like Trello or Excel)

You don’t need a degree, just the right training and the right mindset.

SEE: Free Skills Training with Job Placement in South Africa

What You Can Do Today

Check out job training programs on sayouth.mobi
Take a free course on Coursera or Udemy
Learn how to use a computer if you haven’t already
Ask about reskilling programs at your local community center or college

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The job world is changing. Some careers are going away, and they’re not coming back. But new jobs are also being created.

If your job is on the list, don’t ignore it. Start learning something new. Keep up with job trends. And ask for help if you don’t know where to begin.