Zuko Komisa
- Healthcare, IT, and Finance show sustainable growth, with vacancies for nurses, software devs, and accountants outstripping supply.
- Entry-level and generalist roles in Admin, Sales, and Logistics are overcrowded, making them significantly harder to secure.
- Job success depends on up-to-date online profiles and “skills-first” positioning to stand out in a crowded market.
South Africa’s 2026 job market is a tale of two extremes: a critical shortage of technical specialists and a surplus of candidates for entry-level roles.
According to the latest Pnet Job Market Trends Report, while hiring activity is resilient, a clear divide has emerged between “scarce skills” and “over-saturated” sectors.
For those in Healthcare, IT, and Finance, the outlook is bright. High availability and low competition define these sectors.
Specifically, the tech industry has seen an 18% rebound in vacancies, fueled by a localized surge in AI, cloud computing, and data science roles.
Kaya Biz with Gugulethu Mfuphi spoke to Pnet’s Head of Data, Anja Bates, who warns that “job-hugging” is ending as professionals seek mobility, meaning candidates must now use verified skills and complete digital profiles to remain competitive.
Listen to the conversation here:
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