The skill that will help you get a job in South Africa
The skill that so many people have shunned as a competitor, replacing
the workforce, has become a skill that is in demand: artificial
intelligence.
When artificial intelligence (AI) first entered the public conversation, it sparked a wave of anxiety. Many of us couldn’t help but wonder: Will a robot eventually take my job?
It’s a valid fear – feeling threatened by the idea of being replaced by a machine is natural. For some, that fear led to avoiding anything AI-related altogether. But for others, it became a reason to adapt.
And now, those who embraced AI are seeing the rewards.
AI has become one of the most sought-after skill sets both locally and globally. Candidates with AI expertise are standing out in the job market and finding themselves in high demand across industries.
According to Business Tech, Pnet’s latest Job Market Trends report revealed that “compared to Q4:2019/Q1:2020, the number of AI professionals securing new roles has nearly doubled, with a 96% increase recorded by Q4:2024/Q1:2025.”
Pnet previously reported a significant 183% increase in AI hires between Q1:2018 and Q1:2024.
Today, more South African companies are actively seeking professionals with AI skills, a marked shift from the initial scepticism and distrust that once surrounded the technology.
According to Business Tech, “Over the last year, the vast majority of companies employing AI professionals have been IT firms, accounting for 62% of total AI employment. Companies specialising in software and AI development are currently the most prominent employers for AI professionals."
While IT dominates, other sectors are also embracing AI. Around 10% of professionals with AI expertise are working in education, while finance, consulting, and telecommunications industries are steadily growing their AI teams.
Interestingly, many AI professionals are also turning to startups – an encouraging sign of entrepreneurship and innovation in this fast-evolving space.
The growing demand for AI professionals across various sectors highlights just how essential AI proficiency has become in today’s workforce.
“For job seekers, the message is clear: those who understand and can effectively apply AI tools will unlock a wealth of career opportunities,” said Pnet.
“In a market increasingly shaped by digital innovation, the ability to
align AI capabilities with business goals will set top candidates
apart.”
A standout example is the South African Revenue Service (SARS), which has earned praise for using AI to boost efficiency, demonstrating how even government entities are embracing this powerful technology.
While the IT and software sectors currently lead the way in AI employment, it's clear that the future is AI. Choosing to study and develop skills in this field may just be one of the smartest investments young people can make.
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