The Ugly Truth Behind South Africa’s Tech Sector "Breakthrough"
As we laud the ICT sector for "progress" in achieving gender equity, it’s essential to look beyond the statistics. The Commission for Employment Equity’s latest report paints a more nuanced picture of an industry still grappling with entrenched power structures and systemic biases.
On the surface, it appears that the ICT sector has achieved a milestone, with African females slightly bridging the gap between men. The numbers are undeniable – in 2024, 45.9% of employees in the ICT sector were female, a significant improvement from previous years. However, scratch beneath the surface and we find a complex web of discrimination and oppression.
Fewer women are participating in the total labour market compared to a decade ago, with the unemployment rate among females reaching a staggering 39.5% for those with a matric certificate, a 10.7 percentage point increase over the past 10 years. These stark statistics underscore the stark realities facing women in the tech sector, including biased hiring practices, unequal pay, and a lack of mentorship.
Meanwhile, the male dominated power structures within the sector ensure that women are consistently shut out from senior positions, with a dismal representation of 22% among senior managers. The notion that there has been a "breakthrough" is laughable when considering that 55% of male employees are taking home the lion’s share of leadership roles.
The truth is, these incremental gains are a far cry from achieving true equality. Until systemic reforms address the root causes of gender and race disparities, we can’t expect the tide of change to lift all boats.
- Graphs sourced from the Commission for Employment Equity and Stats SA Quarterly Labour Force Survey for Q2:2024.
