Call to address SA’s skills shortage in higher education: A Call to Action for South Africa

Ebrahim Noor Mahomed, director of audit, IT, and advisory at BDO South Africa, writes that South Africa is experiencing a skills crisis in its higher education sector. A shortage of qualified educators is affecting not only the quality of education but also the nation’s ability to meet the demands of an evolving global economy. The problem is multifaceted, involving local challenges, international talent competition, and systemic issues in the education system.

One of the primary factors driving the exodus of educators from South Africa is the lure of higher salaries and comprehensive benefits offered by countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. These regions increasingly target South African educators, tempted by better pay and improved working conditions. This has created a growing vacuum in both primary and higher education systems at home, where service delivery issues exacerbate frustrations.

The impact of this skills shortage is stark. South African universities and colleges are struggling to maintain high standards, with the student success rate plummeting as weak foundations from basic education are compounded by deteriorating university standards. As a result, many students fail to complete their tertiary education, and those who do often enter the workforce are underprepared for the demands of the private sector.

The most affected fields are Science, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) — critical areas for a country looking to bolster its economy through technology-intensive industries. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report, many South African students are pursuing degrees that do not align with the job market’s needs, particularly in STEM fields. This disconnect further widens the skills gap in a country that desperately needs workers trained in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to remain globally competitive.

The lack of qualified educators has also directly impacted South Africa’s global standing among tertiary institutions. For instance, in the 2023 QS World University Rankings, only four South African universities made it into the top 500 globally. This lower competitiveness not only affects the international perception of the country’s higher education institutions but also diminishes the readiness of our graduates to thrive in a globalised world.

A lack of clear policy to address this shortage is reflected by the fact that while the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) disbursed over R47 billion in 2022, educator training programs received limited support. A study found that 63% of NSFAS-funded students had dropped out after five years, and only 32% graduated. This signals a deeper issue in policy planning, where more emphasis must be placed on supporting education at all levels, not just funding students.

Short-term fixes, long-term damage
Institutions have increasingly relied on temporary contractors to cope with the educator shortage, with a 2021 survey showing that 25% of academic staff were employed on temporary contracts. This inconsistency negatively impacts the quality of education, particularly for distance learners, who are already grappling with the challenges of self-directed study. The dismal 14% pass rate for the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Initial Test of Competence (ITC) earlier this year — down from 40% the previous year — underscores how deeply the lack of skilled educators affects outcomes.

The educator shortage has also disproportionately affected historically disadvantaged communities, with university enrolment rates for black South African students still lagging behind their demographic representation. Financial barriers, compounded by lower education quality in underfunded areas, have led to high dropout rates, further entrenching socio-economic inequalities.

The skills shortage in higher education is already having long-term economic consequences. The World Bank has found that every 1% increase in educational attainment could boost South Africa’s GDP by 0.5%. However, with the current trajectory, the country risks falling short of its goal to produce over 1 million tertiary-educated workers by 2030, jeopardising its ability to remain competitive globally.

The government is also feeling the pinch, particularly in sectors reliant on skilled professionals, such as local government, where service delivery is faltering due to a lack of expertise.

Finding Solutions

Addressing this crisis will require a multifaceted approach. South Africa has already demonstrated its ability to produce world-class professionals, such as our chartered accountants, thanks to rigorous monitoring by SAICA. This shows that it’s possible to nurture talent locally with the right structures and incentives.

One avenue for improvement lies in leveraging technology. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a 200% increase in online learning enrolments, proving that digital solutions can bridge the gap between rural and urban education. By investing in infrastructure to provide reliable internet access to rural schools, South Africa could significantly improve access to quality education and boost enrolment and success rates.

Additionally, there are valuable lessons to be learned from other countries. China and India have made impressive strides in STEM education, demonstrating how targeted investment in education can lead to exponential economic growth.

The private sector also has a critical role in addressing this skills gap. Initiatives like “support a school” could see businesses partner with rural schools and colleges to offer financial and educational resources. Furthermore, companies should sponsor students with high potential, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent into industries vital to the country’s future.

The educator shortage in South Africa’s higher learning institutions is a crisis with far-reaching implications for the country’s socio-economic future. Bold policy changes, investments in technology, and strategic partnerships with the private sector are urgently needed. By fostering a culture of excellence in education and prioritising the retention of skilled educators, South Africa can begin to close the skills gap and ensure a prosperous future for its citizens.