Skills vs. Degrees: What Matters More in South Africa’s Job Market?

Kholofelo Modise17 July , 2025

Whether you’re a South African student mapping out your career path, a parent worried about your child’s future, or a job seeker eager to stand out, you’re not alone in asking: What’s the best way to build a successful career? With youth unemployment rates still high and the world of work constantly evolving, more South Africans are questioning traditional career routes. The burning question now is: Do you really need a degree, or can practical skills propel you further?

In this guide, we’ll break down what South African employers are truly looking for. Whether you’re charting your study plan or polishing your CV, we’re here to help you decide what matters most—skills, degrees, or both.

The Changing Landscape of Employment in South Africa

The traditional belief that a university degree guarantees a job is being challenged by reality. According to Stats SA’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey (2024), youth unemployment remains high, even among graduates. Meanwhile, the demand for practical, work-ready skills—especially in fields like ICT, construction, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship—is growing.

Key Statistics:

South Africa’s official youth unemployment rate (ages 15–34) stood at 44.3% in 2024.
Over 33% of unemployed graduates have post-matric qualifications.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) encourages artisanship and vocational training, citing a national shortage of critical and scarce skills.

Tip: Visit the National List of Occupations in High Demand to see which careers need skilled professionals most.

What Employers in South Africa Are Really Looking For

Degrees: The Traditional Ticket

Degrees are still valued—especially in regulated professions like:

Medicine
Law
Engineering
Teaching (requires SACE registration)

Many employers also view a degree as proof of discipline, research ability, and perseverance. For positions in government, finance, and corporate sectors, a degree may still be required as a minimum qualification.

Skills: The Game-Changer

In fast-growing sectors like:

Tech (software development, cybersecurity)
Creative industries (design, digital marketing)
Trades (electricians, plumbers, chefs)
practical skills and a strong portfolio can often outweigh formal qualifications.

Real-World Example:
Sipho, a 25-year-old from Soweto, learned web development through free online courses and community bootcamps. Despite not having a degree, he now works remotely for a European tech startup. His GitHub portfolio and freelance projects opened more doors than a CV ever could.

Building Skills Without a Degree: Your Options

South Africans have more options than ever to build real, job-ready skills—even without university. Consider:

TVET Colleges

Offer diplomas and certificates in practical fields
Funded by NSFAS for qualifying students
Examples: Electrical engineering, hospitality, IT support

Learnerships and Apprenticeships

Blend workplace training with theoretical study
Backed by SETA-accredited employers
Great for trades, admin, logistics, and sales roles

Online Courses and Certifications

Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy offer affordable skills training
Some are recognized by employers, especially in IT and marketing

Pro Tip: Focus on skills with clear outcomes—like “bookkeeping with Xero,” “basic coding in Python,” or “Google Digital Marketing.”

When a Degree Still Makes a Big Difference

There are cases where a degree is essential—or gives you an edge:

Regulated Professions

Jobs like nursing, teaching, social work, and law require specific accredited qualifications and registration with bodies like:

SANC for nurses
SACE for teachers
SACSSP for social workers

Government Jobs

Many public sector jobs list NQF level 6+ (diplomas and degrees) as a minimum requirement.
However, departments also recruit interns and learnership participants under Youth Employment Services (YES) or EPWP programs.

Checklist: When a Degree Is Worth It

The career is regulated by law
The employer is a large corporation or government department
You plan to pursue a postgraduate qualification
You can access funding (e.g., NSFAS, bursaries)

How to Stand Out—With or Without a Degree

Focus on Transferable Skills

Whether you’re degreed or not, employers consistently look for:

Communication skills
Digital literacy
Problem-solving ability
Work ethic and time management

Build a Portfolio or Experience

Volunteer, freelance, or intern where possible
Collect testimonials or references
Upload work samples to LinkedIn or a personal website

Combine Both Where Possible

Many successful South Africans blend academic learning with practical skill-building. For example:

A marketing graduate who adds Google Ads certification
A chef with a diploma and strong social media presence
A teacher with digital learning skills and SACE credentials

Skills and Degrees Work Best Together

While a degree can open doors, skills keep you in the room. South Africa’s job market increasingly rewards those who are adaptable, willing to learn, and able to prove their value—whether through qualifications, work samples, or both. Don’t be discouraged by traditional rules—there are many paths to success.

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