As AI, automation and data reshape the economy, business leaders are recognising that future-ready talent requires more than technical expertise, with critical thinking, judgement and adaptability becoming decisive differentiators. Drawing on the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, Dariel Software argues that organisations and professionals who combine strong technical skills with human-centric capabilities will be best positioned to translate technology into real business outcomes over the next decade.
Johannesburg, South Africa – 3 February 2026 - As artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven systems reshape the global economy, organisations are being forced to rethink what “future-ready” talent really looks like. While technical expertise remains essential, business leaders are increasingly recognising that the most critical skills of the next decade will sit at the intersection of technology, judgement, and adaptability.
Consequently, the World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) Future of Job Report 2025 stated that the major drivers expected to shape and transform the global labour market by 2030 includes technological change, geoeconomic fragmentation, economic uncertainty, demographic shifts and the green transition.
According to Lebo Masola-Mnjama, Talent Manager, Dariel Software, the skills gap facing South African businesses is no longer just about finding developers, data scientists, or cybersecurity specialists. It is about building teams that can think critically, work across disciplines, and apply technology responsibly in complex, real-world environments.
“AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics are accelerating at an extraordinary pace,” says Masola-Mnjama “But tools alone don’t create value. The differentiator will be people who can understand context, weigh risk, and translate technology into outcomes that matter to the business.”
The WEF’s report concurred and said that Machine Learning specialists and robotics engineer jobs are on the rise, and that companies were planning to upskill employees and hire talent with new skills to meet evolving business needs.
Masola-Mnjama says that technical skills remain foundational and that demand for software engineers, AI and machine learning specialists, data scientists, and cybersecurity professionals is expected to remain strong well into the next decade: “As organisations generate and rely on ever-increasing volumes of data, skills such as data engineering, analytics, cloud security, and ethical hacking will be critical to maintaining resilience and trust.”
However, Masola-Mnjama cautions against an overly narrow view of technical specialisation. “The engineers who thrive will be those who understand more than just their immediate discipline. Depth matters, but so does breadth.”
She says that the rise of human-centric capabilities is key. Alongside technical skills, a set of human capabilities is emerging as equally vital:
- Critical thinking – the ability to analyse information, challenge assumptions, and make sound decisions in uncertain environments
- Problem-solving – moving beyond identifying issues to designing practical, sustainable solutions
- Adaptability – the capacity to learn continuously and pivot as technologies, regulations, and markets evolve
- Curiosity – an openness to experimentation and learning that keeps individuals and businesses relevant
“These are not ‘soft skills’,” Masola-Mnjama notes. “They are core business capabilities. In a world of rapid change, the ability to think clearly and adapt quickly is as valuable as any technical certification.”
Preparing for the future of work is necessary. For business, the implication is clear: investing in talent development must go beyond tools and training courses. It requires deliberate mentorship, exposure to real-world problem solving, and environments that encourage learning and accountability.
For professionals, the message is equally direct. “The safest career strategy over the next decade is not to compete with technology, but to learn how to work alongside it,” says Masola-Mnjama. “Those who combine technical competence with judgement, curiosity, and adaptability will remain in demand, regardless of how the tools change.”
As South Africa navigates a digital future shaped by global competition and local constraints, the organisations that succeed will be those that build not just smarter systems, but smarter, more resilient people. Ends
About Dariel
Founded in 2001 on the principle of delivering solutions right, the first time, Dariel bridges the gap between human ingenuity and technology. Our strong client partnerships reflect a commitment to excellence and our consultative approach to software engineering makes us a trusted partner for innovative and sustainable tech solutions. Proudly independent, Dariel is part of the JSE-listed Capital Appreciation Group. https://www.dariel.co.za/
For more information:
Samantha Hogg-Brandjes | GinjaNinja | samantha@ginjaninja.co.za | +27-84-458-4857