In an era of rapid technological advancement, the words of management guru Peter Drucker ring truer than ever: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
As we prepare for 2025, this sentiment is particularly relevant in South Africa’s evolving digital landscape. The choices we make in our educational pursuits today will shape not only our individual careers but also the nation’s technological future.
Kapil Jaggeth, Managing Executive of Torque IT, offers invaluable insights into the technologies that are worth studying in 2024 and 2025. “The technology landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years,” Jaggeth notes. “We’re seeing a convergence of various technologies, creating new hybrid fields and opportunities. It’s an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming for those looking to start or pivot their careers.”
The traditional model of education – study, graduate, work – is becoming increasingly obsolete, especially in the tech sector. “Modern technology careers place a greater emphasis on continual learning and pivoting,” Jaggeth explains. “But you have to start somewhere, so that first choice of what to study can be a very anxious one.”
This shift is not limited to those pursuing careers in IT departments. As technology permeates every aspect of business and daily life, tech literacy has become crucial across all sectors. “Technology is not just for the specialist anymore,” Jaggeth emphasises. “It impacts almost everyone’s career, especially as businesses embrace Generative AI. Something we love seeing at Torque IT are people who come in to learn a specific skill that will enhance their career.”
Cybersecurity remains a critical field, but with an added emphasis on digital ethics. “Security is probably one of the most future-proof careers at the moment,” Jaggeth states. “There is incredible demand for security skills, both for specialists and among business professionals who have a grasp on the topic.”
The rise of AI and increased data collection has brought ethical considerations to the forefront. Professionals who can navigate both the technical and ethical aspects of cybersecurity are in high demand.
Cloud computing continues to be a cornerstone of the digital world, but with new developments. “The cloud runs everything in the digital world and it’s only going to grow in importance,” says Jaggeth. “There is huge demand for cloud roles, especially cloud architects.”
Hybrid ways of working mean that we’re seeing a shift towards edge computing, bringing computation and data storage closer to the point of need. This hybrid approach requires professionals who understand both cloud and edge technologies.
AI and ML have evolved significantly since the early 2020s. “AI is a terrific technology, no doubt about that. But it’s also incredibly specialised and often very demanding,” Jaggeth cautions.
The focus is on practical AI applications and ethical AI development. Skills in areas like natural language processing, computer vision, and AI ethics are particularly valuable.
IoT has expanded beyond individual devices to encompass entire smart city ecosystems. “IoT is a good technology concept to have under your belt because it’s relevant in most technology scenarios,” Jaggeth advises.
In the South African context, IoT skills are crucial for developing sustainable urban solutions, improving public services, and addressing unique local challenges.
While still in its early stages, quantum computing is poised to revolutionise various industries. “Quantum computing is an emerging field that’s gaining traction,” Jaggeth notes. “While it’s highly specialised, understanding its fundamentals can give you a significant edge in fields like cryptography, drug discovery, and complex system modelling.”
With climate change concerns at the forefront, sustainable technology has become a crucial field. “Green IT is no longer just a nice-to-have,” Jaggeth emphasises. “It’s becoming a core component of technology strategy. Skills in energy-efficient computing, sustainable data centre management, and green software development are increasingly valuable.”
The lines between virtual, augmented, and mixed reality are blurring, creating new opportunities in XR. “XR technologies are finding applications beyond gaming and entertainment,” Jaggeth explains. “In education, healthcare, and industrial design, XR skills are becoming increasingly important.”
While the crypto hype has settled, blockchain technology continues to evolve. “Blockchain is finding practical applications in supply chain management, digital identity verification, and decentralised finance,” says Jaggeth. “Understanding blockchain fundamentals can open doors in various industries.”
Amidst these emerging technologies, Jaggeth stresses the importance of foundational skills, including:
“If you have an aptitude for programming, you can never go wrong with studying it,” Jaggeth advises. “Your choice will depend on the programming language you choose, and you should look at what is actually being used by the market.”
Languages like Python, JavaScript, and Rust are in high demand, along with frameworks that support rapid development and cross-platform applications.
Certifications remain valuable, but with a caveat. “IT certifications are the glue of the technology industry,” Jaggeth notes. “Just remember that a certification is often a commitment to a specific vendor or solution type. You will want to keep studying and expanding your certifications.”
Certifications in cloud platforms, cybersecurity, and data analytics are particularly sought after.
Perhaps most importantly, Jaggeth emphasises the need for broad technology literacy. “We might be surrounded by technology, but I don’t think we’re a technology-literate society,” he observes. “Being able to use an app doesn’t make a person technology literate.”
Technology literacy extends beyond basic computer skills to include:
As South Africa continues to position itself as a tech hub in Africa, the demand for skilled professionals across these technologies is set to grow. “The key is to remain adaptable and committed to lifelong learning,” Jaggeth concludes. “The technologies we’re discussing today will evolve, and new ones will emerge. What’s crucial is developing a mindset that embraces continuous learning and adaptation.”
Educational institutions and training providers like Torque IT are adapting to this new reality, offering flexible, modular learning paths that allow individuals to build diverse skill sets. Online learning platforms, bootcamps, and industry partnerships are becoming increasingly important in bridging the skills gap.
As we look towards the future, it’s clear that technology education is not just about acquiring specific skills, but about developing a holistic understanding of the digital ecosystem. By focusing on both emerging technologies and foundational skills, South Africans can position themselves at the forefront of the global digital economy, driving innovation and growth in the years to come.
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