How Soft Skills Became the #1 Hiring Factor in South Africa in 2026
Technical skills get you the interview — but emotional intelligence, communication, adaptability and leadership are now deciding who actually gets the job...
Read Full Article →Technical skills get you the interview — but emotional intelligence, communication, adaptability and leadership are now deciding who actually gets the job. Here's what learners and professionals need to know in 2026.
Why the Shift Happened
According to recent reports from the Department of Higher Education and Training and major recruitment platforms like PNet and CareerJunction, over 68% of South African employers now rank soft skills higher than technical qualifications when hiring entry-to-mid-level roles.
Top 5 Soft Skills in Demand
- Emotional Intelligence
- Communication & Active Listening
- Adaptability & Resilience
- Problem-Solving Mindset
- Team Collaboration & Leadership
At ROANA, our soft skills workshops are designed to close exactly this gap — with practical role-plays, real workplace simulations, and certification that employers recognise.
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