The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)

ICT skills at the intermediate level in South Africa
Insights into private provision and labour market demand

2208 Large

Both the government and the private sector have recognised the invaluable role that information and communication technology (ICT) plays in responding to national socio-economic imperatives. The importance of ICT skills to the economic, social and political trajectory in a globalised context cannot therefore be over-emphasised. The potential of, and limitations to, intermediate-level ICT skills in so far as they contribute to South Africas human resource capacity is considered essential to the current form and future trajectory of the countrys development.

This research monograph examines the supply of, and demand for, intermediate-level ICT skills in South Africa through a study of selected training providers, giving insight into key elements of demand. People interested in current developments in the ICT training field, as well as legislators and regulators of the industry, will find this research monograph essential reading.

Open Access

Product information

Format : 280mm x 210mm (Soft Cover)
Pages : 72
ISBN 10 : 0-7969-2198-9
ISBN 13 : 978-07969-2198-7
Publish Year : 2007

1 Introduction

2 ICT skilling: an overview of international and national considerations

  • The international context of ICT skilling
  • National development and intermediate-level ICT skilling

3 Definitional and methodological considerations

  • Definitional issues
  • Methodological considerations

4 Demand for intermediate-level ICT skills

  • ICT skills according to economic sector
  • Provincial distribution of the ICT workforce
  • Change in the ICT workforce
  • Qualification levels of the ICT workforce
  • Racial distribution and trends in the ICT workforce: the challenge of BEE
  • Strategies to redress inequalities
  • The gender dimension
  • Current demand in the ICT sector
  • Overview: demand for intermediate ICT skills

5 Provision of intermediate-level ICT skills by private providers

  • Organisational features of private ICT providers
  • Typology of ICT service providers
  • Forms of ownership
  • Programmes and instructional delivery patterns
  • Quality matters
  • Admission and access
  • The national context of intermediate-level ICT training provision
  • An assessment: provision of ICT training at the intermediate level

6 Conclusion

Mr Salim Akoojee is a chief researcher in the Education, Science and Skills Development research programme at the HSRC. He holds a BA from the University of Durban-Westville, a BEd and MEd from Wits University, and a Higher Diploma in Education from the University of South Africa. Akoojee has published in various areas over the years, including the impact of globalisation on South African education and training, public and private vocational education and training in the sub-Saharan context, and various issues in higher education, nationally and internationally.

Mr Fabian Arends is a research specialist in the Education, Science and Skills Development research programme at the HSRC. He has a BA(Hons) in geography and is currently registered for an MBA at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Arends specialises in data collection and auditing, the analysis and integration of quantitative and qualitative data, and the design of education indicators.

Ms Joan Roodt is a chief researcher in the Education, Science and Skills Development research programme at the HSRC. She holds an MPhil in communication management from the University of Pretoria. Roodt has experience in labour market research, the demand and supply of human resources, skills analysis and remuneration. She has also been involved in projects relating to trends and future workforce needs in the labour market, particularly the demand for and supply of human resources for the sectors of telecommunications, information communication technologies (ICT), mining and minerals, and the chemical and forestry industries.

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