Gungubele calls for workplace learning to close digital skills gap

By Lebone Rodah Mosima

South African universities and colleges must give students greater workplace exposure because qualifications alone are no longer enough to secure employment in a rapidly changing digital economy, Deputy Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Mondli Gungubele has said.

Speaking at the Skills for the Economy and Industry Dialogue, Gungubele said South Africa faced a disconnect between employers reporting shortages of digital skills and young graduates struggling to find work.

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“Industry tells us there is a shortage of digital skills. Young people tell us they cannot find work. Educational institutions continue to produce graduates. Clearly, somewhere within this ecosystem, there is a disconnect,” he said.

He said work-integrated learning, including internships, mentorship, practical projects and exposure to employers, should become central to preparing students for employment.

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