The Comeback Kid: Software Developer Tops SA’s Most Wanted Jobs List Again

For years, the narrative has been one of layoffs and hiring freezes, especially in tech. But new data suggests a turning of the tide. According to online recruitment platform Pnet, demand for technology professionals in South Africa has rebounded strongly in the second half of 2025, marking a meaningful recovery for a sector that’s been sluggish since 2022.

The headline act? Software Developer has reclaimed its position as the most in-demand job role in the country for the first time in three and a half years. This isn’t just a blip. Tech vacancies grew 18% year-on-year up to October 2025, with a notable 10% jump from September to October alone, signalling a sustained uplift.

“We are recording a notable shift in the market,” says Anja Bates, Head of Data at Pnet. She points to cloud and AI adoption across industries as the key drivers sparking this renewed growth, moving past the post-COVID slump that saw global tech hiring cool.

Where the Growth Is Explosive

While software development is the flagship role, the growth in other specialisations is even more dramatic. According to Pnet’s data:

• Business Analyst roles have seen the strongest surge, with vacancies up a staggering 102% since January 2025. These professionals are crucial for translating business needs into technical blueprints.

• Data-focused rolesData Scientists, Analysts, and Warehousing Specialistscome in second, with vacancies growing 48%.

• Systems and Network Administrators are in short supply, with demand up 38%, highlighting the ongoing need for solid digital infrastructure.

“Demand for tech talent is rising again,” Bates notes, warning that competition for these scarce skills will intensify. Employers who can offer streamlined hiring, strong company culture, and attractive benefits will win the race for talent.

The Top 10 Most In-Demand Jobs in South Africa (2025)

This recovery is concentrating hiring activity in specific, high-value roles. If you’re skilling up or considering a career pivot, these are the positions where opportunity is knocking loudest:

1. Business Analyst: The bridge between business problems and tech solutions, with demand more than doubling.

2. Data Analyst: The storyteller of the digital age, turning raw numbers into actionable business insights.

3. Data Engineer: The architect who builds and maintains the vital pipelines and systems that handle an organisation’s data.

4. Software Developer: The classic builder returns to the top spot, crafting the applications and services we all rely on.

5. Full Stack Developer: The versatile all-rounder, capable of working on both the front-end user interface and the back-end server logic.

6. Java Developer: A specialist in one of the world’s most enduring and scalable programming languages, essential for enterprise systems.

7. Data Scientist: The advanced analyst who uses machine learning and statistical models to predict trends and solve complex challenges.

8. IT Project Manager: The leader who steers complex tech projects from conception to delivery, on time and on budget.

9. C# Developer: The expert in Microsoft’s .NET framework, crucial for developing enterprise and financial software.

10. Scrum Master: The agile coach who facilitates teamwork and efficiency, ensuring development teams can deliver value quickly.

This list is more than just a hiring trend. As Bates puts it, the strengthening of tech hiring is “an encouraging sign for the broader labour market.” It signals growing business confidence and serious investment in digital capability across the South African economy. For job seekers, the message is clear: the digital future is hiring.