I’m a two-time university graduate, with a third on the horizon. My undergrad looked a bit like a liberal arts program — I studied social work, but somehow also ended up in electives like statistics, sociology, and religious studies (don’t ask why — it made sense at the time).
University was more than education for me. It was identity-shaping. Living away from home. Making friends who challenged my worldview. Learning how to think — not just what to think. I wouldn’t trade it. It built the foundation for how I understand people, systems, and impact.
But fast forward 10 years, and here’s the irony:
The skills that pushed my career forward the fastest? They didn’t come from a lecture hall. They came from short, targeted, skills-focused programs. A course on project management here. A workshop on strategy or design thinking there. A well-timed crash course on facilitation or digital tools I needed right now.
They were:
- Affordable
- Practical
- Easy to build alongside work
- Immediately applicable in real roles and teams
And that’s the piece we don’t talk about enough — especially in South Africa, where access to higher education is so limited, and where unemployment remains stubbornly high.
The South African Context: Degrees Can’t Be the Only Answer
Let’s zoom out for a second.
In South Africa:
- Only 6% of people aged 15+ have a university degree (StatsSA, 2022).
- Youth unemployment is sitting at 45.5% (StatsSA QLFS, Q4 2023).
- Less than 30% of university students finish their degree in 6 years (Council on Higher Education, 2021).
- According to data from Old Mutual, the average cost to send a graduate to university in South Africa is R55,900 in 2023, which is expected to accelerate to R95,700 by 2030 – and reach R177,200 by 2038.
Now compare that to a 3–6 month program that builds market-relevant skills for under R25,000. Often hybrid. Often flexible. Often directly linked to employer needs. It’s not about pitting one against the other. It’s about asking: What’s the return on investment — and who has access to it? However, they shouldn’t be the sole gatekeepers of opportunity. We must recognize and validate diverse educational pathways that cater to varied needs and circumstances.
What Skills Training Can Do
At iHub Africa, I’ve seen learners without degrees become highly effective digital marketers, community managers, or junior SEO specialists — not because they had a long academic record, but because they had:
- Hands-on training
- Exposure to real tools
- Soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking
- The space to test, fail, grow, and contribute
And they got all that in under a year — often while working, caregiving, or dealing with life’s many realities.
These kinds of programs aren’t “alternatives” anymore. They’re essential. Especially when they’re designed with intention, mentorship, and a deep understanding of the labour market.
So Where Do Degrees Still Matter?
Degrees still play a critical role — and always will. They matter deeply in:
- Regulated professions (law, engineering, medicine)
- Research, academia, and thought leadership
- Intellectual exploration and social mobility
They also offer a structured environment to grow up, try ideas, and connect with people who challenge and inspire you. That was certainly my experience.
But we can hold both truths: Degrees shape people. Skills shape careers.
One isn’t better than the other — but they’re not interchangeable. And in a country like South Africa, we can’t afford to keep pushing one model as the default when so many are locked out of it.
A Note to Employers: Let’s Evolve
If you’re an employer still defaulting to “degree required” in your job specs, here’s a gentle challenge:
- What are you actually hiring for — a credential, or a capability?
- Could someone with demonstrated skills, drive, and practical experience do the job — maybe even better?
We’re not saying don’t hire grads. We’re saying don’t overlook the rest. Because talent isn’t only found in lecture halls. And if we’re serious about reducing unemployment, growing inclusive teams, and preparing for a future of rapid change, we need to start training and hiring differently.
Final Thought
I’m grateful for my university education. It gave me roots. But skills training gave me wings. Perhaps, let’s stop debating which path is “better.” Let’s start building a world where young people — regardless of their academic journey — are seen, equipped, and trusted to contribute.
Because that’s what the future needs. And it’s what South Africa deserves.
Sources:
- StatsSA General Household Survey, 2022
- StatsSA Quarterly Labour Force Survey, Q4 2023
- Council on Higher Education (CHE) VitalStats, 2021
- iHub Africa Internal Program Data, 2023–2024
- University Fees 2023 – BusinessTech
