Scarce and Critical Skills

Robin Jackson

This show comes to you on the back of the cabinet announcement by our president and as expected we had some mixed reactions to the cabinet announcement. Markets have reacted, and our currency has to it as well. But of particular interest to this podcast is the fact that Blade Nzimande has been announced as the minister of Higher education and Science and Technology, a portfolio which has now been combined under one ministry. Thulas Nxesi has been appointed as Minister of Employment and labour, a portfolio which has also been revamped. As the country battles high unemployment rates, it is striking to note that there are no sufficient applicants with qualified skills for available career opportunities. This has prompted government to review the list to attract and maintain critically skilled labour in South Africa to increase growth, transformation and economic growth.