–– Titus Cantrell

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South Africa is facing a dire shortage of skilled workers, according to a recent article published by Antony Sguazzin on Bloomberg. As businesses attempt to start or expand operations in what Sguazzin calls “Africa’s most industrialised economy,” there are certain job openings that employers simply cannot find qualified candidates for. Most of these are in the areas of engineering, science, information technology, and management. 

Sguazzin writes, “This skills shortage has been identified by the South African presidency as the second biggest impediment to economic growth, after crippling power outages.” The Department of Home Affairs releases an annual list of these “critical skills” designed to expedite the visa process for foreigners who can fill these gaps. However, Sguazzin points out that less than 50% of these critical skills visas are approved, and applications have declined significantly over the last decade.

While this skill shortage presents a major challenge to South African businesses, Christian young people should also view it as an opportunity and a guide for their education and career choices.