Pnet Report warns of growing software developer shortage in South Africa

New labour market analysis highlights rising demand for digital skills and a widening gap in qualified talent

Anja Bates, head of data at Pnet

South Africa is facing a deepening shortage of software developers, according to new research released by online recruitment platform Pnet, which points to a widening disconnect between the number of technology roles available and the pool of qualified candidates entering the job market.

The findings are detailed in Pnet’s December 2025 Jobs Market Trends report, which tracks hiring patterns, jobseeker behaviour and qualification requirements across key sectors of the economy. The analysis shows that software development has re-emerged as the most in-demand role in the country for the first time in more than three years, yet competition for these positions remains unusually low.

Anja Bates, head of data at Pnet, said the renewed surge in demand reflects a structural shift in the types of skills companies are seeking. While earlier spikes were linked to rapid digitisation and the transition to remote work during the pandemic, the current wave is being driven by growing investment in data-intensive and automation technologies. Employers are increasingly looking for professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics and advanced analytics, alongside core programming capabilities.

Pnet’s research evaluates job roles using four indicators: how frequently positions are advertised, the level of competition among jobseekers, the typical years of experience required and the level of formal education expected. Each role is rated on a scale from low to high, allowing the platform to compare demand and supply across different segments of the IT labour market.

Within the technology sector, Pnet assessed eight core roles, including software developer, business analyst, data analyst and IT project administrator. The report found that five of these positions show high job availability, signalling sustained pressure on employers to fill critical digital functions. Software developer stands out as the only role combining high demand with low competition, a pattern that points to a limited pipeline of qualified applicants.

The analysis also highlights a strong emphasis on formal education across the sector. Most IT roles were rated as requiring a high level of academic training, often at bachelor’s or postgraduate level. This finding has raised concerns among education and policy experts, particularly in light of recent matric results showing that only a minority of students are completing mathematics as a core subject, a key foundation for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Thulane Paepae, deputy head of mathematics and applied mathematics at the University of Johannesburg, warned that declining participation in mathematics could translate into long-term economic risks. He said a shortage of mathematically prepared learners would limit the country’s ability to train engineers, computer scientists and data specialists, potentially slowing the adoption of advanced technologies and increasing reliance on imported expertise.

Despite these challenges, Pnet’s data suggests that employers are beginning to adapt. The report notes a growing openness to candidates who have developed technical skills through alternative pathways such as online courses, coding bootcamps and self-directed learning, particularly when formal qualifications are scarce.

According to Pnet, this shift reflects a more pragmatic approach to recruitment in a tight labour market, where demonstrable, hands-on experience is increasingly valued alongside academic credentials. The platform argues that bridging South Africa’s digital skills gap will require closer alignment between education, training providers and industry, as well as sustained investment in both formal and non-traditional routes into the technology workforce.