South Africa updates its Critical Skills List periodically. Staying current ensures your visa or work permit application is never rejected on a technicality.
## Key ICT Roles on the 2024/2025 Critical Skills List
– **Software Developers & Engineers** – including cloud, systems, and API specialists
– **Data Scientists & Data Engineers** – advanced analytics, big data, and ML pipeline experts
– **Cybersecurity Specialists** – SOC engineers, penetration testers, information security analysts
– **Artificial Intelligence Specialists** – ML engineers, AI researchers, and robotics engineers
– **ICT Project/Programme Managers** – leaders with proven large-scale delivery credentials
Always cross-check the official list before submitting applications because titles occasionally change.
## How to Track Updates
1. **Subscribe to DHA Gazettes** – Set Google Alerts for “Department of Home Affairs Gazette” and review each release.
2. **Monitor SAQA & ECSA** – Professional bodies flag revisions that affect qualification evaluations.
3. **Follow Industry Councils** – IITPSA, Wesgro, and Brand South Africa share newsletters whenever scarce-skills policy shifts.
4. **Leverage PickTwo’s Community** – We announce any update immediately through our talent newsletter and Slack channels.
## What To Do When the List Changes
– Re-print the new list and include it in visa or work permit submissions.
– If your job title changed, update employment letters and CVs to reflect the new language.
– For pending applications, send the updated occupation title to VFS Global or DHA to keep records aligned.
## Bonus Tip: Document Your Continuous Learning
Keep a portfolio of certifications, conference talks, open-source contributions, and case studies. When the list expands to new AI specialisations, you’ll already have proof that you meet the frontier skill requirements.