BusinessTech writes that companies across SA are rushing to hire professionals with skills in artificial intelligence (AI), with demand almost quadrupling since 2019.

According to the latest Pnet Job Market Trends Report, demand for AI expertise has surged by 352% since then and continues to accelerate, with a 77% increase year-on-year between the first half of 2024 and the first half of 2025. The report is based on empirical data drawn from Stepstone Group SA’s recruitment platforms, which hold a combined database of more than eight million registered users. The report clearly shows how AI is reshaping the local job market, redefining roles, and creating demand for new digital skills. “AI is no longer confined to specialist positions. From software developers and data scientists to marketers, financial clerks and content creators, the demand for AI expertise is reshaping career paths across various sectors.

Employers and job seekers who adapt quickly will be best positioned to benefit from the shift,” Anja Bates, Head of Data at Pnet, pointed out. Bates noted that the rise of AI is not only reshaping existing roles but also changing the opportunities available to workers. “It is encouraging to see that AI seems to be creating job opportunities in South Africa rather than displacing workers,” she said. Bates added that some entry-level roles might be at risk as employers adopted AI solutions. However, inexperienced workers could benefit from generative AI if it helps them learn faster.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Malcolm Libera at BusinessTech

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