In the ever-evolving landscape of South Africa’s job market, the rise of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and threatening traditional job roles. While automation promises greater efficiency and innovation, it also presents significant challenges, particularly for workers whose roles are becoming redundant. However, this technological shift is not without its opportunities, as new careers emerge in areas such as AI, green energy, and healthcare.
In this article, we will explore the jobs at risk of disappearing in South Africa, the sectors poised for growth, and the challenges and solutions that must be addressed to safeguard the future of work in the country.
Jobs at Risk of Disappearing
Automation and AI technologies are particularly suited to handle repetitive and predictable tasks, making certain job roles vulnerable to displacement. In South Africa, several key industries are facing significant job losses due to technological advancements.
1. Banking Sector Employees
The banking industry has been undergoing a transformation driven by automation. Digital banking services, mobile apps, and AI-powered customer service platforms are replacing the need for physical branch interactions. As a result, many banking sector employees, such as tellers, clerks, and administrative staff, are at risk of losing their jobs. Branch closures are becoming more common as banks streamline their operations, leaving traditional positions increasingly obsolete.
2. Clerks, Tellers, and Bookkeeping Clerks
Clerks and tellers, whose roles primarily involve routine tasks like processing payments, verifying information, and managing accounts, are highly susceptible to automation. AI and software solutions can easily handle these repetitive tasks, leading to the displacement of human workers in administrative and financial roles. The demand for bookkeeping clerks, in particular, is expected to decline as accounting software becomes more sophisticated.
3. Mining and Maintenance Workers
South Africa’s mining sector, historically a cornerstone of the economy, is increasingly adopting automation technologies. Mining companies are integrating robotics, AI-powered machines, and autonomous vehicles into their operations, reducing the need for manual labor. Similarly, predictable maintenance tasks are also being automated, threatening jobs for workers in maintenance roles. This trend is expected to continue, further diminishing the need for human intervention in the industry.
4. Insurance Claim and Policy Processors
AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data and make decisions faster than humans is reshaping the insurance industry. Tasks such as processing insurance claims, underwriting policies, and assessing risk are increasingly being handled by algorithms and AI-driven systems. These technologies allow for faster, more accurate decision-making, leading to a reduced demand for human policy processors and claims handlers.
5. Bill and Account Collectors
Automation is also transforming the billing and collections sector. Many companies are adopting automated systems for invoicing, payments, and collections, reducing the need for human bill collectors. AI systems can track payment due dates, send reminders, and even initiate collections processes, significantly cutting down the need for human intervention.
6. Moulders, Casters, Furnace Operators, and Team Assemblers
The manufacturing industry is another area seeing a rapid shift towards automation. Jobs that involve repetitive tasks such as moulding, casting, and assembling parts are increasingly being replaced by automated systems and robotic arms. While these technologies improve efficiency and reduce human error, they also threaten jobs that have traditionally been a significant part of South Africa’s industrial workforce.
7. Front Desk Jobs in Tourism
Tourism is a major contributor to South Africa’s economy, but even this sector is not immune to the effects of automation. Front desk jobs in hotels and other tourism-related businesses are being replaced by self-check-in kiosks, AI-driven customer service bots, and automated booking systems. These technologies are streamlining operations and improving customer experiences but are also eliminating jobs that once required a human touch.
8. Retail Workers (e.g., Cashiers)
The retail sector has witnessed the rise of self-service checkouts, automated tills, and online shopping platforms. Cashiers and retail assistants are facing an uncertain future as customers increasingly prefer automated systems for their shopping needs. Retailers are investing in technology to reduce labor costs, leading to a decline in demand for traditional retail positions.
Emerging Opportunities in South Africa’s Job Market
While automation threatens certain job roles, it is also giving rise to new careers and industries. South Africa, like many other countries, is experiencing a shift toward sectors that leverage technology and sustainability, opening doors for workers with the right skills.
1. AI Specialists
As AI technology continues to evolve, the demand for AI professionals in South Africa is growing exponentially. In fact, job vacancies in the AI sector have surged by 182%, reflecting the increasing importance of AI in various industries. AI specialists, data scientists, and machine learning engineers are expected to be among the most sought-after professionals in the coming years, as companies look to harness the power of AI to optimize their operations.
2. Green Energy Professionals
South Africa is transitioning towards renewable energy as part of its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. This shift is creating new opportunities in the green energy sector, with jobs in solar, wind, and bioenergy expected to grow. Engineers, technicians, project managers, and sustainability experts will be in high demand as the country invests in cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.
3. Healthcare Professionals
The healthcare sector is another area poised for growth, driven by technological advancements and an aging population. New roles are emerging in areas such as telemedicine, health data analysis, and medical robotics. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of healthcare workers, and South Africa is likely to see continued demand for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and medical technicians, in the years to come.
4. Software Developers, Data Engineers, and Cloud Computing Experts
As South Africa’s tech market recovers and expands, roles in software development, data engineering, and cloud computing are expected to see significant growth. Companies are increasingly relying on cloud infrastructure to store and manage data, creating a demand for skilled professionals who can design and maintain these systems. Similarly, software development remains a key driver of innovation across industries, providing opportunities for those with the necessary technical skills.
Challenges and Solutions
While new opportunities are emerging, South Africa faces several challenges in adapting to the changing job market. The country’s high unemployment rate, currently one of the highest in the world, exacerbates the impact of automation on workers. To ensure that South Africans are prepared for the jobs of the future, urgent action is needed in the areas of education, reskilling, and government-private sector collaboration.
1. High Unemployment Rate
South Africa’s unemployment rate remains a significant concern, and automation threatens to exacerbate this issue. Reskilling initiatives and vocational training programs are critical to ensuring that workers can transition into new roles and industries. Government policies should prioritize upskilling and job creation in emerging sectors, particularly in technology and green energy.
2. Bridging the Skills Gap
There is a noticeable gap between the skills that South African workers currently possess and those required for emerging jobs. The education system must be reformed to provide more emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects, coding, and digital literacy. Partnerships between the public and private sectors can help bridge this gap by offering targeted training programs that align with the needs of the job market.
3. Government and Private Sector Collaboration
Collaboration between the government and private sector is crucial to creating new job opportunities and adapting to technological change. Public-private partnerships can help fund innovation and establish policies that promote job growth in emerging industries. Additionally, businesses can support reskilling initiatives by offering training programs and internships to help workers gain the necessary skills for future jobs.
Check also: Salary Differences Across South African Provinces: Where You Can Earn More in 2025
The rise of automation and AI is undoubtedly reshaping South Africa’s job market, with some roles becoming obsolete while others emerge in new industries. To successfully navigate this transition, it is crucial for the country to invest in education, reskilling, and fostering collaboration between the government and the private sector.
By focusing on emerging opportunities in AI, green energy, healthcare, and technology, South Africa can create a future-proof workforce and ensure that its citizens are equipped for the jobs of tomorrow.