A degree is no longer enough
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Graduate unemployment in South Africa reached 12.2% in Q1 2026, even as the national unemployment rate climbed to 32.7%. The core issue is a skills mismatch rather than a lack of qualifications. Major employers now treat degrees as an entry point, not a finish line, demanding practical skills, digital literacy including AI awareness, real-world problem-solving, and demonstrated work experience alongside formal credentials. Universities like UCT and Stellenbosch report a shift toward skills-based hiring, with micro-credentials gaining recognition as complements to degrees. Labour law experts caution that employers must ensure degree requirements are genuinely job-related to avoid discriminatory exclusion. The takeaway: a degree still provides a significant advantage over non-graduates, but graduates increasingly need portfolios and applied experience to stand out.
