by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG – WITH nearly 4.9 million young South Africans unemployed, the country’s dependence on university degrees as a ticket to work is hurting both the economy and business competitiveness, says Sandra Pretorius, General Manager at Afri Training Institute (ATI).
“Skills-based hiring is not a nice-to-have. It’s critical for tackling youth unemployment and building an agile, future-fit workforce,” Pretorius said, warning that rigid degree requirements shut out thousands of capable candidates.
According to Pretorius, many companies still rely on academic qualifications as a shortcut for screening applicants.
“A degree doesn’t guarantee capability, just as the lack of one doesn’t mean a lack of talent,” she said.
In her work with clients in manufacturing, IT, and business services, Pretorius found that adaptability, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence often matter more than formal education.
She argues the barrier lies in outdated HR policies.
“Too often HR acts as an administrative gatekeeper rather than a strategic partner. One client saw retention improve almost immediately after switching to competency-based recruitment,” Pretorius said.
ATI’s model focuses on assessing workplace needs, sourcing candidates from a national database of unemployed youth, and offering targeted, practical training.
Entry requires only basic schooling, with placement based on aptitude and motivation.
Pretorius cited a recent business administration learnership where all 15 participants secured full-time roles.
“Hiring for potential only works if you embed continuous learning into workplace culture,” she said.
“You can’t let people sink or swim — development must be part of the daily rhythm.”
Pretorius acknowledged that compliance frameworks like B-BBEE can influence hiring, but insists they don’t prevent valuing real skills. “It just requires a more intentional strategy.”
She is calling for stronger partnerships between higher education and business, and for companies to view internships as hands-on training rather than observation periods.
“Degrees still have their place,” Pretorius concluded. “But if we keep prioritising credentials over competence, we’ll continue sidelining the very people who can transform our economy.”
– CAJ News
