SACAP

When we make the decision to study a degree around the tender age of eighteen years, there are many factors that can influence whether that choice was right for us.

This year, the oldest members of Gen Z have been in the workforce for about 8 to 10 years. They are now the most significant portion of early- to mid-career professionals, entrepreneurs under 30 years, and recent university graduates.
 

Arguably driven by the ubiquity of the machine in our work and personal lives, we find ourselves in an age of unrelenting self-optimisation. The challenges and opportunities of being our ‘best self’ are permeating every aspect of daily life, from productivity to mindfulness.

A significant consequence of the reshaping of workplaces by artificial intelligence, automation, and digital tools is that human skills that machines struggle to learn and replicate are now in high demand. While tech far outstrips human capacity when it comes to routine tasks, analysing data and making calculations, at its best, it can only superficially mimic human interactions.

At an escalating rate, and amid uncertain outcomes, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping organisational structures, roles and careers, leadership and the meaning of work, evoking a maelstrom of human emotions.  From fear, anxiety and apprehension to excitement and wonder, it’s hard to know exactly what to make of the rapidly changing AI transformations underway in our workplaces, organisations and institutions.

Teaching is still a solid career choice in South Africa. It’s got plenty of opportunities and offers job stability, especially in such unpredictable times.

In today's workplace it is crucial for business leaders and other stakeholders to prioritize the understanding and facilitation of psychological needs. Meeting these psychological needs is not just good practice but is also an essential strategy for fostering a thriving workplace culture that can withstand challenges in the future.

The long-awaited 2024 Matric results will be released on 15 January 2025, and this can feel like a make-or-break moment in many South African families. Whether met with celebration or disappointment, this milestone often carries intense emotional weight and may provoke mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression.

South African teachers are faced with immense challenges due to our country's unequal education system on a daily basis. These include overcrowded classrooms, scarce resources and inadequate psychosocial and specialised learning support services.

With the South African job market showing signs of recovery since 2022, the demand for managerial talent remains strong. The 2024 National List of Occupations in High Demand highlights the significant need for qualified talent across  various management roles,  including Financial, IT, Human Resources, Sales and Marketing, Logistics, project and general managers.