South Africa’s ICT sector is buzzing with opportunity—but not without its challenges. According to the Decoding ICT Demand 2025 report, in 2024 there were an estimated 318,000 ICT jobs in the country, with a vacancy rate of 27.2%*. Intriguingly, 35% of those vacancies are at junior level, equating to roughly 41,500 roles* waiting to be filled.
That means a large portion of opportunity is at the entry or early-career stage. But it’s not without its complexities—especially as technology and AI reshape which roles are most in demand. Here’s what job seekers and recruiters in the ICT space should know.
What the Report Reveals: Key Trends & Implications
1. High Concentration in Few Roles
The report highlights that 20 ICT job roles account for 78% of vacancies in the Pnet / CareerJunction dataset. The top in-demand roles include software developers, web developers, and IT support technicians / specialists*.
At junior level, this concentration is even more pronounced:
- Junior software developers make up ~20% of all junior ICT vacancies (vs 13% in the overall dataset). *
- IT support technicians (12% junior vs 8% overall) and Microsoft developers (9% junior vs 5.7%) are also notably more represented in the junior job pool. *
- Some roles—like data administrators and desktop support specialists—are relatively oversupplied, with fewer openings and stronger competition. *
These numbers suggest that for new entrants, roles in development and support remain key entry points into the ICT sector.
2. Junior Roles Offer Transformative Pay (But With Caveats)
The report indicates that a junior ICT professional can expect, on average, about R25,000 per month, though this will vary by job type, location, and employer*. For software developers, salary data (from OfferZen) shows that a junior developer with 0-2 years’ experience earns more in cities like Cape Town, albeit with premiums attached*.
While this pay level is competitive and potentially transformative, it also means junior candidates must make clear contributions to stand out in a competitive space.
3. AI, Automation & Displacement Risks Among Junior Tasks
The report addresses the risk that roles involving repetitive, rules-based tasks (e.g. basic support, testing, routine system admin) are more vulnerable to automation or AI displacement*.
Yet, the narrative is not entirely negative. Junior roles that embrace AI as a tool—and build foundational AI skills—may become more resilient*.
The report warns of a potential “break in the bottom rung” of the career ladder if traditional entry roles erode due to AI*. Therefore, readiness to adapt is crucial.
4. Zones of Opportunity: Less Competition + High Vacancy
By mapping average application volume against number of vacancies, the report identifies “zones of opportunity”—roles where there is high vacancy but relatively fewer applicants. Among these roles are software developers, web developers, and Microsoft developers*.
This means that jobseekers who prepare well for these roles may face less competition and better chances of landing a position.
5. Geographic & Hybrid Constraints
ICT job opportunities tend to be clustered in economic hubs like Gauteng and Western Cape. In fact, the Pnet / CareerJunction data shows 18,021 opportunities in Gauteng and 8,255 in the Western Cape*.
Also, “remote/hybrid” job advertisements are still rare—fewer than 7% of ICT job ads offered hybrid or remote working models, and only 8% of those targeted juniors*.
Thus, location remains a constraint for many aspiring candidates.
What This Means for Job Seekers in ICT
- Start with high-opportunity roles: Focus on software development, web roles, or Microsoft ecosystem positions—these have shown consistent demand at junior level.
- Upskill strategically: Emphasis on cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), TypeScript, and other in-demand languages or frameworks—especially those noted in the report*.
- Build a differentiator: A portfolio of projects, open-source contributions, side work or internships helps separate you from the crowd.
- Learn AI / automation basics: Understanding how AI complements your role, and aligning with transformation rather than resisting it, can make you more future-proof.
- Be open to relocation or partial hybrid: If remote is limited, being mobile or near hubs can improve your access to opportunity.
- Target zones of opportunity: Apply for roles where competition is lower and vacancy is high, based on insight from the report.
How Affirmative Portfolios Can Help You Navigate This Landscape
At Affirmative Portfolios, we believe in being more than just a recruiter—we aim to be your career partner, especially in ICT. Here’s how we support you:
- Role matching — We have insight into which ICT roles are open but under-advertised, and can connect you directly with employers needing junior and mid-level talent.
- Guidance & coaching — We advise on crafting the right CV, building portfolios, highlighting transferable skills, and preparing for interviews.
- Career pathing — We help you see potential progression routes, from junior to more senior roles, and which skills to prioritize.
- Talent advocacy — We position your profile to clients who value upskilling and are open to bridging roles for ICT talent with potential.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your ICT career, we’d love to help you get there. Explore the ICT roles currently available via Affirmative Portfolios: https://affirmativeportfolios.co.za/jobs/
