Content area
The ongoing issues of unemployment and inequality in South Africa require a unified approach to improve employability through the development of transversal skills. This project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8), which advocates for decent work and sustainable economic development. Transversal abilities, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptation, are recognised as essential for success at both individual and organisational levels. However, there is a significant lack of research examining the direct economic effects of these talents in the South African environment, especially regarding earnings and employment opportunities. This article investigated the paramount transversal talents, assessed their returns in the labour market, and analysed their importance for workforce development in South Africa. The findings revealed significant disparities in the economic returns linked to various transversal abilities, with high-demand competencies like project management and business strategy yielding the greatest economic advantages. These findings highlight the necessity for focused skill development programs to improve employability and reduce labour market inequalities in South Africa. It offers implementable sanctions for policymakers, employers, and educators, enabling the synchronisation of skill development policies with the evolving demands of the labour market and promoting inclusive economic growth in South Africa.
ABSTRACT
The ongoing issues of unemployment and inequality in South Africa require a unified approach to improve employability through the development of transversal skills. This project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8), which advocates for decent work and sustainable economic development. Transversal abilities, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptation, are recognised as essential for success at both individual and organisational levels. However, there is a significant lack of research examining the direct economic effects of these talents in the South African environment, especially regarding earnings and employment opportunities. This article investigated the paramount transversal talents, assessed their returns in the labour market, and analysed their importance for workforce development in South Africa. The findings revealed significant disparities in the economic returns linked to various transversal abilities, with high-demand competencies like project management and business strategy yielding the greatest economic advantages. These findings highlight the necessity for focused skill development programs to improve employability and reduce labour market inequalities in South Africa. It offers implementable sanctions for policymakers, employers, and educators, enabling the synchronisation of skill development policies with the evolving demands of the labour market and promoting inclusive economic growth in South Africa.
Keywords:
Employment Outcomes, Labour Market Returns, Policy Implications, Skill Demand, Transversal Skills
JEL Classification:
J24, J31, O15
Introduction
In modern labour markets, transversal skills-commonly referred to as transferable or softskills-have become essential for success in professional settings. These competencies include many interpersonal skills such as communication, collaboration, problemsolving, and flexibility, which augment an individual's employability and productivity. As industries adjust to swifttechnological progress and changing economic conditions, the focus on these competencies has heightened. A report from the World Economic Forum (2022) indicated that more than 85 million jobs worldwide could be displaced by a transition to machines and algorithms by 2025, emphasising the imperative for workers to acquire transversal skills that enable adaptation and promote sustainable career trajectories. This increasing acknowledgement signifies a broader worldwide movement towards appreciating softabilities, transcending just technical proficiency.
The pressing demand for strong transversal skills in South Africa is heightened by the country's elevated unemployment rates, which rank among the highest globally. The World Bank (2023) indicates that youth unemployment in South Africa remains significantly high, aggravating socioeconomic inequalities and impeding economic progress. These problems correspond with Sustainable Development Goal 8, which promotes sustained, inclusive economic growth, comprehensive employment, and equitable work for all. Intensified emphasis on cultivating transversal abilities offers a twin advantage: it enhances individual employability while fostering a more resilient and flexible workforce capable of efficiently addressing the evolving demands of the labour market.
Nonetheless, despite the acknowledged significance of these talents for economic progress, empirical studies examining their particular economic advantages in South Africa are scarce, underscoring a considerable deficiency in our comprehension.
Given these issues, it is essential to move beyond general talks and offer a more targeted question: how might transversal talents successfully mitigate unemployment in South Africa? This study aims to address a notable deficiency in the literature by investigating the economic significance of transversal talents within the South African context, particularly their impact on earnings and employment prospects. We use online job advertisements from the United Kingdom to assess the significance of these talents in dynamic labour markets, offering insights that might inform local policymakers, businesses, and job seekers. Recent research, like that of Deming (2021), demonstrates that roles requiring strong social and interpersonal skills typically provide higher remuneration and show increased resistance to automation and job displacement. These findings highlight that investing in transversal skills advantages both people and the wider economy. This discourse highlights the study objective's importance in tackling urgent socioeconomic issues and its capacity to enhance workforce development activities in South Africa.
The study is structured as follows: after this introduction, the next portion analyses theoretical frameworks and empirical research that connect academic principles with practical implementations. This is followed by an examination of the research context and the methodology utilised in the study. The results and their interpretation are presented, leading to a discussion on the ramifications and importance of the findings. The report finishes with critical insights, recommendations, proposals for further research, and a succinct assessment of the study's shortcomings.
Literature Review
The role of transversal skills in shaping labour market readiness and broader economic development has attracted increasing global attention. This literature review is organised into three thematic areas: Skills and Labour Market Readiness, Returns to Skills, and Transversal Skills in the South African Context. Together, these sections provide a well-rounded view of current academic thinking and practical considerations relevant to this study.
Skills and Labour Market Readiness
Transversal skills-such as teamwork, communication, adaptability, and problem-solving-have become essential in modern workplaces where technical proficiency alone is no longer sufficient. Cunningham and Villaseñor (2016) noted that while employers often value these competencies highly, they still struggle to find candidates who possess them. Deming (2017) echoed this concern, observing that as job roles evolve due to technological disruption and complexity, the need for flexible and socially adept workers continues to grow.
Educational institutions play a vital role in preparing graduates to meet these evolving demands. Belchior-Rocha et al. (2022) argued for a stronger alignment between academic curricula and workplace realities, advocating for the cultivation of critical thinking and socio-emotional intelligence. Rego et al. (2022) also emphasised the value of service learning-an approach that integrates theory with hands-on experience-to better equip students for real-world challenges and increase their employability.
Returns to Skills
Beyond employability, transversal skills are increasingly linked to tangible economic returns. Allen et al. (2020) found that socioemotional skills serve as strong differentiators in competitive labour markets, especially for recent graduates entering uncertain job landscapes. Deming (2021) further demonstrated that jobs requiring high levels of social skill not only tend to offer higher wages but are also more resistant to automation and displacement. Barna and Csete (2024) added to this by highlighting the growing value of sustainability-oriented skills, which align with long-term organisational goals and global development agendas.
These findings underscore the argument made by Human Capital Theory-that investments in skills development yield measurable economic benefits for individuals and societies alike.
Transversal Skills in the South African Context
In South Africa, where youth unemployment remains critically high, the emphasis on transversal skills becomes even more pressing. While international research on the value of these competencies is robust, there is a noticeable lack of empirical data specific to South Africa's labour market. This gap is significant, given the country's unique socioeconomic landscape and the urgent need for interventions that enhance both employability and workforce adaptability.
Theoretical Support on Transversal Skills
This paper is grounded in Human Capital Theory, which suggests that investing in education, skills development, and personal growth enhances individual productivity and economic opportunities (Donald et al., 2019). Transversal skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and adaptability, are integral components of human capital and play a pivotal role in improving employability and advancing careers. These skills are particularly crucial in South Africa, where addressing unemployment and economic inequalities requires targeted workforce development strategies (Mbonigaba & Wilfred, 2019).
In the South African context, the impact of human capital investments is particularly significant. Mbonigaba and Wilfred (2019) demonstrated that improvements in education and health directly influence productivity, highlighting the value of skill development for driving economic progress. Likewise, Dosunmu and Adeyemo (2018) underscored the importance of lifelong learning in supporting career growth, particularly among women in the telecommunications sector, where skill-building initiatives help bridge gender and socioeconomic gaps.
Language proficiency represents a critical dimension of human capital, holding significant importance in various contexts. Holborow (2018) underscored the multifaceted nature of language skills, which serve as instruments for effective communication and mechanisms for promoting inclusivity and adaptability within professional environments. In a linguistically diverse nation such as South Africa, proficiency in multiple languages can improve job prospects and facilitate employee cultural cohesion.
The principles of Human Capital Theory, which advocate for lifelong learning and the development of transferable skills, resonate with global initiatives aimed at equipping individuals to meet the shifting requirements of the labour market. In South Africa, such strategic investments are vital for tackling structural unemployment and fostering inclusive economic development. This theoretical perspective illustrates how cross-functional skills can function as a catalyst for change, empowering individuals with the necessary competencies to succeed in an increasingly fluid and competitive employment landscape.
Research and Methodology
This paper examined a dataset comprising online job advertisements from the South African context spanning the years 2015 to 2019, with an emphasis on transversal skills. Using text-mining methodologies, the study identified the thirty most prominent transversal skills in job descriptions in order to suffice the analysis. Additionally, statistical models were applied to evaluate the wage and employment benefits associated with these skills while accounting for industry and job classification variables. Although the analysis was based on data from the United Kingdom, the results were framed to consider the distinct challenges faced by the labour market in South Africa.
Findings and Discussion
Findings
The analysis revealed significant disparities in the economic returns associated with transversal skills, illuminating their diverse effects on wages and employment prospects. Skills such as project management, business strategy, and budget management yielded the highest returns, correlating with enhanced compensation and job opportunities. These results corroborate Deming's (2017) assertion that specific transversal skills are crucial in advancing career trajectories, particularly in sectors where they directly contribute to productivity.
In contrast, moderately valuable skills, including communication and teamwork, were recognized as vital yet less lucrative. Although these skills are fundamental for employability, their widespread nature diminishes their unique economic benefits. This observation aligns with Rego et al. (2022), who indicated that while these competencies are essential for workforce preparedness, their prevalence can restrict their direct influence on salary levels. Furthermore, Belchior-Rocha et al. (2022) emphasized the necessity of incorporating these skills into educational frameworks to equip students for competitive labour markets. Conversely, skills with low economic returns, such as essential administrative functions, exhibited negligible wage advantages, likely attributable to their commonality. These findings resonate with Grama and Răulea's (2013) insight that skills that are widely accessible tend to possess limited economic value within the labour market.
The findings presented in Table 1 further substantiate these conclusions. Positions that necessitate a greater intensity of transversal skills tend to be more frequently advertised, indicating a strong demand for such competencies. Nevertheless, the limited direct influence of these skills on wage levels implies that other factors, such as educational attainment and job complexity, significantly contribute to overall economic returns. This observation is consistent with the argument put forth by Barna and Csete (2024), which posits that the broader economic implications of transversal skills are contingent upon their effective integration into educational and workforce development frameworks. These findings underscore the necessity of prioritising high-value skills while focusing on foundational skills. This dual strategy is crucial for mitigating labour market disparities and improving overall economic performance.
In Table 1, Log(wage) represents the natural logarithm of wages, indicating how different factors influence earnings. A positive coefficient suggests an increase in wages, while a negative coefficient indicates a decrease. The results show that years of education (0.09···) significantly boost wages, reinforcing the idea that higher education leads to better earnings. Skill complexity (0.02···) also has a positive effect, suggesting that jobs requiring a broader skill set offer slightly higher wages. However, transversal skills intensity (-0.02···) negatively correlates with wages, implying that while these skills are essential for employability, they do not necessarily command higher salaries. The constant (8.94···) serves as a baseline wage level when all other factors are zero, while the R-squared value (0.29) indicates that the model explains 29% of the variation in wages.
Discussion
The findings emphasised the vital role of transversal skills in influencing labour market outcomes, particularly in South Africa, where unemployment and economic disparity pose significant challenges. The data revealed a distinct variation in the economic benefits linked to various types of transversal skills. High-demand skills, such as project management, business strategy, and budget management, were identified as yielding the most substantial returns, resulting in higher wages and enhanced employment prospects. This observation corroborates the assertions made by Deming (2017) and Allen et al. (2020), who have argued that specific skills- especially those about management and strategic thinking-are essential in the contemporary labour market, as they correspond with the evolving requirements of industries in an increasingly globalized economy.
This insight holds particular significance for South Africa. In light of the country's elevated unemployment levels and the necessity for workforce development to tackle systemic inequalities, equipping individuals with high-return transversal skills may be crucial for enhancing employability and overall economic engagement. These findings resonate with the perspectives of Mbonigaba and Wilfred (2019), who suggested that South Africa's economic recovery would largely hinge on the enhancement of human capital, especially in sectors anticipated to experience robust demand, such as project management and business strategy.
Nevertheless, this paper also underscores the importance of placing greater emphasis on moderate-return skills, such as communication and teamwork. Although these skills are foundational, they were found to have a less immediate financial impact. This aligns with the conclusions of Rego et al. (2022), who contended that while these skills are critical for employability, they do not necessarily lead to higher wages unless complemented by more specialized, high-return skills. For South Africa, bridging this gap necessitates a deeper integration of transversal skills training into higher education and vocational training programs. By providing individuals with diverse skills that integrate essential foundational abilities and those in high demand, South Africa can cultivate a workforce that is not only proficient but also competitive on a global scale.
This paper highlights low-return skills, such as essential administrative functions, which yield minimal wage premiums. Although these skills are essential for numerous entry-level positions, their prevalence in the labour market diminishes their influence on wage levels. This finding aligns with the observations made by Grama and Răulea (2013), who argued that the saturation of basic skills in the job market leads to their devaluation, resulting in limited economic advantages for workers. In South Africa, where a significant segment of the workforce may be engaged in lower-wage, entry-level roles, it is imperative to explore strategies for upskilling employees to facilitate upward mobility. This may involve emphasising the development of high-value transversal skills while ensuring that foundational skills remain intact to help workers secure initial employment.
Moreover, the analysis presented in Table 1 reinforces the overarching narrative that a higher intensity of transversal skills correlates with an increased likelihood of job postings, indicating a demand for such competencies. However, the observed negative relationship with wages implies that other elements, such as educational background and job complexity, may overshadow the direct influence of transversal skills on wage progression (Galasso & Foucault, 2020). This is particularly pertinent in the South African context, where the education system has historically faced challenges in aligning with the evolving requirements of the job market (Donald et al., 2019). The interplay between educational achievement, skills enhancement, and the intricacies of specific job functions necessitates careful consideration when formulating policy interventions to enhance employability.
In light of the findings presented, policymakers and employers in South Africa must enhance their collaboration to ensure that skill development initiatives are adequately aligned with the swiftly evolving economic landscape. This necessitates incorporating transversal skills training into educational curricula across all levels, from primary education to higher education and vocational training. Holborow (2018) emphasises the significance of language skills within human capital development, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive, language-inclusive strategies in skill training. Given South Africa's linguistic diversity, prioritising language proficiency with other transversal skills could facilitate more inclusive employment opportunities.
Furthermore, the insights derived from this study could guide the formulation of targeted initiatives to address the specific needs of various demographic groups in South Africa, such as women and youth, who frequently encounter significant barriers to employment. Dosunmu and Adeyemo (2018) have indicated that lifelong learning and human capital development, particularly for women, are essential for their professional advancement. Aligning skill development strategies with the dynamic requirements of the South African economy is crucial to ensuring that all individuals, irrespective of their backgrounds, can secure decent employment and contribute to sustainable economic growth in alignment with the broader objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8).
Implications for education, government, and private sector stakeholders are;
i. In the education sector, it is essential to incorporate impactful transversal skills such as project management and critical thinking into the daily curriculum across various disciplines.
ii. Adopting blended learning methodologies that effectively combine technical expertise with the cultivation of softskills is crucial.
iii. Enhancing opportunities for students to acquire practical experience through service learning and workplace-based programs is necessary.
iv. In the government sector, it is important to fortify national skills development strategies by emphasizing both foundational skills, such as communication, and specialized skills, including leadership and strategic thinking. Allocating more resources towards youth training initiatives that correspond with the current job market demands is vital.
v. Providing incentives to foster closer collaboration between educators and employers will ensure that training remains relevant and forward-looking.
vi. In the private sector, offering structured internships and mentoring programs is key to assisting young individuals in acquiring workplace-ready transversal skills.
vii. Clarity regarding the specific skills required in job advertisements is essential, as it aids job seekers, educators, and training providers in aligning with real-world expectations.
viii. Commitment to upskilling current employees is necessary to ensure they can adapt to evolving demands and maintain competitiveness.
This study highlights various actionable measures that distinct stakeholders-such as academic institutions, policymakers, and employers-can implement to bridge the disparity between existing skills and those required by the labour market. Academic institutions and training organisations have a significant opportunity to revitalise their curricula by integrating essential transversal skills, including project management, critical thinking, and leadership, into their standard educational practices. Providing students with increased opportunities for practical experience through internships, service-learning, or project-based initiatives can significantly enhance their preparedness for real-world challenges. From a policy perspective, the government plays a crucial role in developing national skills strategies that extend beyond basic education to encompass the specialised, job-ready skills that employers increasingly demand.
Investing in youth training programs that align with actual labour market requirements and fostering stronger collaborations between educational institutions and industries can greatly enhance the relevance of education. Employers also have a vital role to fulfil. By offering structured internships and mentorship programs, clearly defining the skills required in job advertisements, and facilitating the professional development of their existing workforce through upskilling initiatives, they can contribute to the creation of a more competent and adaptable labour force. These collaborative efforts can foster a more inclusive job market, providing greater opportunities for individuals to succeed.
Conclusions
This article highlighted the economic significance of transversal talents, providing essential insights into their impact on wages and employment outcomes in South Africa. By leveraging data from the United Kingdom and adapting it to the South African context, the study offered pragmatic recommendations for aligning skill development initiatives with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 8, which emphasises the promotion of decent work and economic growth. The findings underscored the need for targeted interventions, the incorporation of pertinent curricula, and strong collaborations between the public and commercial sectors. These measures are essential for developing a robust and inclusive workforce capable of efficiently tackling the difficulties of a swiftly changing labour market, guaranteeing that all South Africans have the necessary skills and chances for success.
Targeted skill development should prioritise high-yield transversal skills, such as project management, business strategy, and budget management, which have shown significant economic benefits in the labour market. These competencies are especially crucial in South Africa, where a proficient workforce is necessary to address issues such as high unemployment rates and economic disparity. By concentrating on training programs that develop these sought-after talents, the nation may augment employability, elevate earning potential, and alleviate the current inequities in the labour market. Therefore, educational institutions and governments must recognise the need of cultivating proficiency in fields that are becoming progressively vital across various sectors, as evidenced by the research findings.
Moreover, integrating transversal skills training within South Africa's educational system is essential for effectively equipping students for future jobs. Incorporating these competencies into the curriculum across all educational levels ensures that students acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical, employable skills essential for today's dynamic job market. The study's findings suggest that essential abilities including communication, collaboration, and problem-solving must be developed early to enhance employability. By implementing a holistic educational strategy, South Africa can more effectively prepare its future workforce with the essential skills to succeed in a competitive global landscape.
Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential for matching skill development with labour market demands. The government, industry stakeholders, and educational institutions must collaborate to ensure that training programs are tailored to the precise skills demanded by businesses. These partnerships can efficiently connect academic and practical education with the actual demands of the labour market, hence enhancing employment prospects for South Africans. Moreover, collaboration can enable the development of tailored skill enhancement initiatives that precisely address sectors facing skill deficits or under-representation.
Furthermore, initiatives aimed at lifelong learning are crucial for promoting reskilling and upskilling, especially for those in precarious sectors. In South Africa, numerous individuals are confined to low-wage, entry-level roles owing to a lack of advanced or specialised skills. By promoting continuous education and offering opportunities for employees to augment their skill sets- particularly in sectors evolving due to automation or technology advancement-South Africa can mitigate the effects of economic shifts and bolster the adaptability of its workforce. This strategy will facilitate the inclusion of individuals, enabling their transition into higher-paying, more sustainable employment prospects
Limitations
A major limitation of this research is the dependence on employment advertisement data sourced from the United Kingdom. This dataset offers significant insights into employer indications of demand for transversal talents, however it reflects a specific labour market structure and conditions. The UK setting, shaped by its own economic, cultural, and policy frameworks, may not fully represent the complexities of South Africa's employment market. The study aims to contextualise the findings for South Africa, although it is essential to recognise the significant variances that prevail. For example, local hiring practices, informal employment, and industry-specific requirements may be insufficiently reflected in this external dataset. Thus, the relevance of the findings to the South African context is relatively limited and should be regarded with caution.
Acknowledgement
We would like to thank the University of Venda for funding this publication.
All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Author Contributions: Conceptualization, Methodology, Data Collection, Formal Analysis, Writing-Original DraftPreparation, Writing-Review and Editing by authors with equal participation.
Funding: This study received no specific funding or grants.
Informed Consent Statement: Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.
Data Availability Statement: The data presented in this paper is available on request from the corresponding author. The data is not publicly available due to restrictions.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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