New Report Highlights Public Sector Skills Gaps
The Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA) has released a critical new study outlining the current and future skills required within South Africa’s public service. While the findings may not come as a surprise, they offer a timely and urgent reminder to government officials and professionals — including accountants — who work with or support the public sector: the need to close skills gaps and build future-ready capacity can no longer be ignored.
🔍 Key Findings and Skills Gaps
Widespread skills shortages exist across government departments, especially in leadership, digital technology, and strategic thinking.
Many public servants lack digital literacy and the ability to apply Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies such as AI, data analytics, and cloud-based tools.
There is poor integration of ICT skills in day-to-day government operations. While officials are aware of 4IR technologies, they often don’t know how to use them effectively.
Basic human skills are also in decline. Critical thinking, ethical decision-making, communication, and emotional intelligence are not consistently demonstrated.
Over-reliance on consultants without proper knowledge transfer has left departments with a weak internal skill base.
Younger professionals entering the public service often struggle to apply their tech knowledge due to outdated systems and limited resources.
🛠️ Recommendations for Improvement
PSETA makes several clear recommendations:
Conduct a nationwide public service skills audit to identify where the real gaps lie.
Reposition HR as a strategic function, not just administrative.
Use the Compendium of Skills developed in this study as a guide for recruitment, training, and succession planning.
Adhere to Treasury rules to reduce unnecessary reliance on consultants.
Invest in continuous learning, including training for digital, analytical, and leadership competencies.
Capture the potential of the "Ama2000" generation by rethinking how to attract and retain digitally savvy youth into public service roles.
Strengthen broadband and IT infrastructure, as many officials still don’t have the basic tools to work effectively.
What It Means for You
Accountants in practice can benefit by supporting government departments by offering advisory services in digital transformation, systems implementation, and capacity building.
Internal auditors and financial managers in the public sector should assess the risks of skills shortages, especially in IT and ethics, which could affect service delivery and compliance.
Public finance professionals must remain agile — many traditional roles are evolving and now require data, tech, and communication skills alongside financial expertise.
📌 Bottom Line:
Digital tools are essential, but they cannot replace good leadership, strategic thinking, or ethical judgment. The future-ready public servant must have a balanced mix of digital and human skills — and accountants can play a key role in this transformation.
For more, read the PSETA report: Public Service Skills and Competencies Needs in South Africa
