The Department of Home Affairs’ (DHA) critical skills list shows that several technology-related jobs are in high demand in South Africa.

The list highlights the professions that qualify for South African critical skills work visas, making it a crucial resource for local businesses.

Such visas are only issued to individuals with skills or qualifications deemed critical for the country.

Former minister Aaron Motsoaledi recently announced changes to South Africa’s work visa system, including the critical skills list.

President Cyril Ramaphosa mentioned the reforms during his 2023 State of the Nation Addresses.

“Having completed a comprehensive review of the work visa system, we will move quickly to implement the recommendations put forward,” said Ramaphosa.

“These include establishing a more flexible points-based system to attract skilled immigration, implementing a trusted employer scheme to make the visa process easier for large investors and streamlining application requirements.”

Motsoaledi gazetted the amendments to the regulations in May 2024.

Companies can now also expedite the gazetting process for critical skills that are seen as essential, removing the four-year waiting period that was previously in effect.

This should facilitate swift approval for in-demand skills. The new regulations also effectively replace the critical skills list with a new points-based system.

It is designed to eliminate the need to require a letter from the Department of Labour for General Work visas.

The points system is based on factors including age, qualifications, and work experience to determine visa eligibility.

Motosaledi’s department also introduced a new work-related visa designed for individuals who want to work in South Africa while under foreign employment.

The Remote Work visa targets high-earning individuals with the hope of stimulating the economy.

South Africa has been losing large numbers of skilled professionals to emigration, making it critical to attract individuals with specific skills to the country.

Ramaphosa alluded to this during his 2024 State of the Nation address and acknowledged the introduction of the reformed visa system.

“Just this week, we published new regulations to reform our visa system, which will make it easier to attract the skills that our economy needs and create a dynamic ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Ramaphosa.

The skills on the DHA’s list relate primarily to specialist medical and health professionals. However, it includes several tech qualifications, including electronic engineering technologist and engineering management skills.
Critical technology skills

Most critical skills in the published list require a bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma as a minimum requirement, with only one requiring an intermediate certificate.

A summary of the critical tech skills list is provided in the table below.
Critical tech skills in South Africa
Job/Skill Qualification
Engineering manager Bachelor honours degree, postgraduate diploma, or Bachelor’s degree
Chief information officer Bachelor honours degree, postgraduate diploma, or Bachelor’s degree
Data management manager Bachelor honours degree, postgraduate diploma, or Bachelor’s degree
Industrial engineering technologist Diploma or advanced certificate
Civil engineering technologist Diploma or advanced certificate
Mechanical engineering technologist Diploma or advanced certificate
Aeronautical engineering technologist Diploma or advanced certificate
Chemical engineering technologist Diploma or advanced certificate
Agricultural engineering technologist Diploma or advanced certificate
Electricial engineering technologist Diploma or advanced certificate
Electronics engineer Bachelor honours degree, postgraduate diploma, or Bachelor’s degree
Energy engineer Bachelor honours degree, postgraduate diploma, or Bachelor’s degree
Energy engineering technologist Diploma or advanced certificate
Multimedia designer Bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma
ICT systems analyst Bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma
Data scientist Bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma
Software developer Bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma
Programmer analyst Bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma
Developer programmer Bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma
Multimedia specialist (incl. game and web development) Bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma
Applications programmer Bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma
Computers quality ensurance analyst Bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma
Computer and network systems engineer Bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma
Network analyst Bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma
ICT security specialist Bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma
Electronic engineering technician Diploma or advanced certificate
Mechanical engineering technician Diploma or advanced certificate
Metatronics technician Intermediate certificate

New cabinet must harness goodwill and drive decisive action for SA’s economic revival, says

It was a long time in the making, but last night’s announcement of a final agreement for a Government of National Unity and the cabinet sets us on a new course. We are finally at the starting line of the new administration, but its success will depend on the deals done over the last month. The agreements set the foundation. The firmer they are, with all sides understanding exactly their roles and responsibilities, the more stable and effective we can expect this coalition government to be. For that reason, I hope our patience will be rewarded.
The new cabinet must work together for the common good of all South Africans. While last night’s announcement will take some time to digest, I hope we will come to see the individuals appointed as men and women of integrity and professionalism. The president last night highlighted the professionalisation of the public service as an agreed priority of the new GNU. That needs to start at the top, among the political leaders who oversee it.
He also noted that all parties have agreed to prioritise the creation of rapid inclusive and sustainable economic growth. That is critical to our future. South Africa stands out in the world for having experienced almost no growth in over a decade with the average citizen getting poorer in that time. We are among very few countries in the world that the International Monetary Fund had expected to continue to see declining per capita growth over the next five years. The huge unemployment rate is an obvious consequence, as well as the stress on public finances. This new government has an opportunity to change that.
The new administration will find goodwill from many quarters, both here and abroad. There has already been a vote of confidence from investors, and the finalisation of the GNU will support that. Business is looking forward to working with the new administration to deliver �` we are fully aligned with the President’s agenda to drive economic growth.
Those who are now in cabinet bear a heavy responsibility to put the national interest first. They have a unique opportunity to embrace the confidence they will find from many stakeholders. They must move decisively with an active agenda and focus on delivery.
I was honoured last week to join a panel at last week’s Operation Vulindlela conference to discuss how we can rebuild confidence in the prospects for South Africa. I was reminded that the last administration began with high hopes. Indeed, President Cyril Ramaphosa had the backing of many constituents, from international investors to local business. It is debatable whether that goodwill was used to best effect. Operation Vulindlela has certainly been the highlight of the administration and its successes. From concluding the spectrum auction which had dragged on for well over a decade to reforming the electricity system, its successes are incredibly important for this country.
The new administration must use the goodwill it will encounter wisely. It will enable the new cabinet to get things done. Action and delivery must be clear. Organised business has been a willing partner to the last administration, rallying significant resources to aid the efforts of government to deliver critical reforms. We put together the Resource Mobilisation Fund to support the Energy Action Plan and are now working to do the same for the Freight Logistics Roadmap. These were among several programmes where we worked alongside Operation Vulindlela to deliver real progress. The unit proved the value of business and government working together.
Economists at the Operation Vulindlela conference put the value of the unit at anywhere between 2% and 4% of GDP, largely in terms of economic activity that was created or protected by it, from the ravages of load shedding and other challenges. The Bureau of Economic Research estimated that 2% could be added to economic growth if the reforms made by the unit are sustained.
Operation Vulindlela showed how important it is to have a dedicated delivery unit. It should be a central pillar of the new administration and be embraced by cabinet as a catalyst to make delivery happen across the different portfolios, coordinating reform across government and working to ensure business is involved at the appropriate points.
At the conference, there was much talk of the future. Areas that the unit could focus on include water provision and local government. These are both critical, as I’ve argued in this letter before. We cannot afford to face water shedding, which already some parts of our country are enduring. We also need local government delivery to work - there are too many stories of businesses shutting down or moving because they cannot get basic services in their areas. It is obviously also a major problem for communities, depriving them of business opportunities. Seeing Operation Vulindlela turning its attention to these difficult challenges would add to the positive sentiment surrounding the new administration.
This is incredibly important work and I wish the new cabinet all the best in delivering it. But they cannot afford to squander the optimism and confidence that many stakeholders will have. They will find a willing partner in business, which will enthusiastically back reform and delivery. The time for talk is over .

This collaborative spirit is necessary as we work towards a Home Affairs Department that embodies transparency, efficiency, and integrity, the writer says.
As South Africa stands on the cusp of a transformative period under the stewardship of Home Affairs newly appointed Minister Leon Schreiber and the new Government of National Unity, there is a collective sense of optimism and opportunity for real change.
Stefanie de Saude Darbandi says , I am eager to highlight the possibilities and challenges ahead.
In celebrating the principles of unity embraced by the African National Congress and the new Government of National Unity, we recognize the importance of putting national interests above partisan divides.
This collaborative spirit is necessary as we work towards a Home Affairs Department that embodies transparency, efficiency, and integrity.
Minister Schreiber`s appointment marks a pivotal moment in our nation`s approach to immigration. With a background steeped in academic rigor and a commitment to principled governance, his leadership promises a departure from the status quo. This brings renewed hope for addressing the longstanding issues that have plagued our Home Affairs Department.
Our current immigration landscape is marked by inefficiencies, bureaucratic backlogs, and regulatory ambiguities. While the recent promulgation of new regulations on 19 May 2024 represents progress, it falls short of the comprehensive reforms needed to propel South Africa onto a competitive global stage. Minister Schreiber`s tenure presents an opportunity to revisit and refine these regulations, ensuring they not only streamline processes but also foster an environment conducive to economic growth and social cohesion.
A critical area in need of reform is the point system for working visas. The new regulations reference these points, yet clarity is lacking in how they align with the existing Immigration Act. Minister Schreiber`s leadership is essential in providing clarity and coherence in these regulations, ensuring transparency and fairness in the application process for skilled professionals who can contribute significantly to our workforce and economy.
Additionally, there is a pressing need to adapt the visitor visa option to accommodate remote work. More could be done, such as reconsidering the minimum requirement of a gross income of one million rand per annum and enabling these applicants to apply for permanent residence from within South Africa.
These adjustments would significantly broaden opportunities for individuals to work remotely from South Africa, thereby stimulating local economies and fostering cultural exchange.
The recent White Paper on immigration, while a step forward, highlights the need for a more ambitious vision. Drawing inspiration from successful immigration models globally, such as those in Canada and Australia, we can develop policies that balance national security with openness and inclusivity. These models demonstrate that effective immigration management not only addresses labour market gaps but also enriches our cultural fabric and drives innovation.
Beyond regulatory adjustments, we must address systemic issues within Home Affairs that have perpetuated injustice and deterred potential investors and skilled immigrants. The prevalence of wrongful rejections, which send many needed individuals and families in South Africa back into the system through an appeal process that either takes years to resolve or requires litigation to correct, undermines our credibility as a welcoming nation. Additionally, inconsistent service standards among Home Affairs officials abroad further exacerbate these challenges. Minister Schreiber`s commitment to accountability and efficiency presents an opportunity to overhaul these practices, ensuring fairness and respect for all applicants.
Furthermore, our firm has been involved in numerous court cases launched against Home Affairs since the onset of lockdown. It is concerning that many of these cases go into contempt two or three times before resolution. We sincerely hope that under Minister Schreiber`s leadership, there will be a marked improvement in honouring court orders and agreements, leading to timely and lawful outcomes.
Another further pressing issue on everyone`s mind is the blanket waiver enabling long-term visa and waiver applicants to remain in South Africa and exit without being banned, which expired at the end of June. As of now, there has been no update on this very important matter. However, with Minister Schreiber at the helm, we are hopeful that clarity and direction will soon follow. His track record suggests that he will address these pressing concerns with urgency and diligence. It is crucial that the new minister understands that ALL visa applicants should be protected from delays, not just those applying for long-term visas. An illustrative example is the case of the `swallows` - seasonal visitors who contribute significantly to our economy. If they apply for renewal of their entry or short-term visa and encounter delays, they too should benefit from a waiver extension while awaiting clearance of the backlog. This approach ensures fairness and supports economic activity by maintaining a welcoming environment for all who wish to contribute to South Africa`s growth.
The establishment of an Immigration Advisory Board is long overdue. Minister Schreiber`s leadership is important in convening this board, comprised of diverse stakeholders including legal experts and community representatives. This board will provide invaluable guidance in shaping inclusive and responsive immigration policies that reflect our values and aspirations as a nation.
In shaping a new era for South Africa`s immigration landscape.
As we embark on this journey of transformation, we extend our support and expertise to Minister Schreiber in shaping a new era for South Africa`s immigration landscape Together, let us seize this moment to enact meaningful reforms that unlock our nation`s full potential. By building a Home Affairs Department that meets the needs of our citizens, residents, and all foreigners from around the world, as well as our neighbouring countries, we can position South Africa as a beacon of progress and prosperity on the African continent

All travellers with long stay visa pending applications with VFS receipts including short term receipts will be declared undesirable on exit, they had a meeting this morning and ports of entry were informed in terms of Directive December 2023 wherein the blanket waiver enabling long-term visa and waiver applicants to remain in South Africa and exit without being banned, expired on 30 June 2024 .

The consequences of flying on an expired visa is as follows:
Visa expired - 30 days ago - declared undesirable for 1 year and banned from returning to SA
Visa expired - 31 plus days ago - declared undesirable for 5 year and banned from returning to SA

While much has been made about the impact of Airbnb on South Africa’s traditional accommodation sector, the biggest thing holding back local tourism is the struggles overseas visitors face to get a visa to visit the country.
That is according to Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA), recognised by the government as the main representative of the hospitality industry.
FEDHASA previously called for urgent regulation of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb in 2017.
It called on the government to ensure that these platforms met the same operational requirements as traditional accommodation operators and that they ensured the safety of their users.
The Department of Tourism subsequently revealed its intention to regulate Airbnb and other home-sharing apps in April 2019 through the Tourism Amendment Bill.
It published a green paper on the development and promotion of tourism in South Africa in October 2023, undertaking a policy review process that will inform the regulations in the Bill.
Among the proposals under consideration is to give the Minister of Tourism the power to determine certain thresholds for Airbnb locations in South Africa, including limits on how many nights a customer can book at one location.
The department explained that the proliferation of Airbnbs could cause a surplus of unregistered accommodation properties, damaging the value of formal operators’ properties.
These operators - including non-Airbnb guest houses and hotels -  have higher operating costs due to hospitality taxes, levies, insurance, and other government-mandated criteria.
While they generally do not mind small-scale Airbnb hosts that rent out a room or garden cottage, they take issue with small-to-medium guesthouses that claim to be private homeowners.
FEDHASA’s stance on Airbnb has cooled down somewhat from a few years ago.
Commenting on the green paper in October 2023, it warned that the regulations must focus on job creation, pointing out that onerous requirements could hamstring smaller accommodation operators in poorer communities, including those that benefit from being on Airbnb.
“As these platforms are now a substantial part of the tourism sector, we support a balanced approach that protects consumers while encouraging entrepreneurship,” FEDHASA said.
“However, we request a discussion on reasonable regulation aligned with international best practices.”
South Africa “shamefully behind” in tourism recovery
FEDHASA chairperson Rosemary Anderson told MyBroadband the more serious inhibitor of tourism growth in South Africa was its visa processes.
She explained numerous accommodation providers relied heavily on international tourism and South Africa had still not fully recovered or exceeded pre-Covid-19 tourist entries.
“At the end of December 2023, South Africa was sitting at a 79% recovery compared with 2019’s data,” Anderson said.
“South Africa currently lags shamefully behind other nations due to our cumbersome, nonsensical visa processes, while countries with efficient and hospitable visa reform strategies vastly outperform us in attracting tourists,” Anderson said.
“Consequently, declining tourism figures adversely impact all segments of the accommodation industry, with the exception of the high-end hotel sector, particularly prominent in Cape Town compared to other major South African cities.”
“This trend could be reversed through vital improvements to our visa system, particularly by making it more accessible and easier to navigate for key tourism growth markets such as India and China.”
Anderson said that a radically reformed visa system could inject millions in foreign currency into South Africa’s economy, fostering extensive job creation and enhancing the affordability of holiday accommodation for a far broader demographic.
As South Africans’ disposable income increases, bookings of accommodation by domestic tourists could also climb.
Airbnb Middle East and Africa regional head Velma Corcoran previously criticised the government’s regulatory proposals.
While Airbnb supports regulations to combat problematic operators, Corcoran argued that these should not harm the tourism industry.
Of particular issue was that the regulations treat someone who rents out a single room for a small additional income the same as an operator that buys several properties and rents them out at scale.
The company has welcomed regulations on short-term rental platforms in the European Union (EU), which has taken a very different approach.
These rules will make it compulsory for Airbnb to share data about their hosts on a monthly basis, including the identity of the host, their contact details, the exact location and address of the rental, and maximum number of beds or occupants.
They must also register them on a “simple” online system that will enable local authorities to identify the host and their unit and verify their information.
Furthermore, short-term rental platforms must combat problematic operators through verification checks.
“Online platforms will have to ensure that the information provided by hosts is reliable and complete and that the registration number is clearly visible on the corresponding listing,” the European Parliament explained.
“They will also have to make reasonable efforts to conduct random information checks.”
“The competent authorities can suspend registration numbers, ask platforms to remove illegal listings, or impose penalties on non-compliant platforms or hosts.”