Critical Skills List South Africa

Occupation Name

Description (OFO)

Director (enterprise/Organisation)(medium enterprises or larger)

Determines, formulates, and reviews the general policy program and the overall direction of an organization, within the framework established by a board of directors or a similar governing body

Policy and Planning Manager

Plans, Develops, organises, directs, controls and coordinates policy advice and strategic planning within organisations.

Corporate General Manager (Medium enterprises or larger)

Plans, organises, directs, controls and reviews the day-today operations and major functions of a commercial, industrial or other organisation (excluding government or local government) through departmental managers and subordinate executives.

Programme or Project Manager

Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates special programmes or projects.

Quality Systems Manager

Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the deployment of quality systems and certification processes within an organisation.

Customer Service Manager (Business PRocess Outsourcing sector)

Plans, administers and reviews customer services and after-sales services and maintains sound customer relations.

Research and Development Manager

Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinate research and development activities within organisations.

Manufacturing Operations Manager

Plans, organises, directs and controls the manufacturing activities of an organisation including physical and human resources. Measures performance, quality and implements continuous improvement strategies.

Engineering Manager

Plans organises, directs controls and coordinates the design, operation and construction of engineering and process, plants, and mining operations

Supply and Distribution Manager

Plans administers and reviews the supply, storage and distribution of equipment materials and goods used and produced by an organisation enterprise or business

Chief Information Officer

Plans organises directs, controls, and coordinates the ICT strategies plans and operations of an organisation to ensure the ICT infrastructure supports the organisations overall operations and priorities

Data Management Manager

Plans coordinates and supervises all activities related to the design, development, and implementation of organisations data base systems

Environmental Manager

Plans organises directs, controls, and coordinates the development and implementation of an environmental issues such as pollution and waste treatment in compliance with environmental legislation and ensures corporate sustainable development

Call or Contact Centre Manager

Manages the performance of call centre workers, processes, and technology against financial and non-financial operational targets

Physicist

Studies matter space time, energy, forces and fields and the interrelationship between these physical phenomena to further understanding of the laws governing the behaviours of the universe and seeks to apply these laws to solve practical problems and discover new information about the earth and the universe

Climate Change Scientist

Evaluate scientific data carries out research on the climate to create predictive models of likely changes in the earth’s climate and concomitant impacts on natural ecosystems and civilisation

Chemist

Studies the chemical and physical properties of substances and develops and monitors chemical processes and production

Geologist

Studies the composition structure and other physical attributes of the earth to increase scientific knowledge and to develop practical applications in fields such as mineral explorations, civil engineering, environmental protection, and rehabilitation of land after mining

Geophysicist

Studies the composition structure and other physical attributes of the earth, locates minerals, petroleum, or ground water, and detects, monitors and forecasts seismic, magnetic, electrical, thermal, and oceanographic activity

Material Scientist

Studies the properties and uses of non-metallic materials and advises on the technical aspects of their manufacture and processing

Mineralogist

Studies the chemistry, crystal structure and physical (including optical) properties of minerals

Hydrologist

Research the distribution circulation and physical properties of underground and surface waters and the form and intensity of precipitation its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth and its return to the ocean and atmosphere

Oceanographer

Studies the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the ocean water masses

Actuary

Analyses mathematical, statistical, demographic, financial or economic data to predict and assess the long-term risk involved in financial decisions and planning

General Biologist

Studies the origin, anatomy, physiology, reproduction and behaviour of living organisms and the ways in which they interact with the environment in which they live

Biotechnologist

Studies the anatomy, physiology and characteristics of living organisms and isolated biological molecules and develops new materials for applying to a range of purposes

Microbiologist

Studies microscopic forms of life such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa

Zoologist

Studies the anatomy physiology, characteristics, ecology, behaviour, and environments of animals

Agricultural Scientist

Studies commercial plants, animals, and cultivation techniques to enhance the productivity of farms and agricultural industries

Food and Beverage Scientist

Studies the physical and chemical properties of food and beverages and develops new and improved food and beverage products and sets standards for producing packaging and marketing food and beverages

Conservation Scientist

Develops and implements programs and regulations for the protection of fish, wildlife, and other natural resources

Environmental Scientist

Studies and develops policies and plans for the control of factors which may produce pollution, imbalance, or degradation of the environment

Industrial Engineer

Investigates and reviews the utilisation of personnel facilities equipment and materials, current operational processes, and established practices to recommend improvement in the efficiency of operations in a variety of commercial, industrial and production environments

Industrial Engineering Technologist

Analyses and modifies new and existing industrial engineering technologies and applies them in the testing and implementation of industrial engineering projects.

Civil Engineer

Plans, designs, organises, and oversees the construction and operation of civil engineering projects such as structural, transportation or hydraulic engineering systems

Civil Engineering Technologist

Analyses and modifies new and existing engineering technologies and applies them in the testing and implementation of civil, mechanical, electronical, or electronic engineering projects.

Mechanical Engineer

Plans, designs, organises, and oversees the assembly, erection operation and maintenance of mechanical and process plant and installations

Mechanical Engineering Technologist

Analyses and modifies new and existing mechanical engineering technologies and applies in the testing and implementation of mechanical engineering projects

Aeronautical Engineer

Performs and supervises engineering work concerned with the design, development, manufacture maintenance and modification of aircraft for flight

Aeronautical Engineering Technologist

Analyses and modifies new and existing engineering technologies relating to the design and construction of aircraft for flight

Naval Architect

Designs, constructs and repairs ships, boats, other marine vessels, and offshore structures both civil and military

Chemical Engineer

Designs and prepares specifications for chemical process systems and the construction and operation of commercial scale chemical plans and supervises industrial processing, fabrication and manufacturing of products undergoing physical and chemical changes and related technologies

Chemical Engineering Technologist

Analyses and modifies new and existing chemical engineering technologies and applies them in the testing and implementation of chemical engineering projects

Mining Engineer

Plans and directs the engineering aspects of locating and extracting minerals (excluding petroleum) from the earth

Metallurgist

Researches, develops, controls, and provides advice on processes used in extracting metals from their ores and processes used for casting, alloying, heat treating or welding refined metals, alloys, and other materials to produce commercial metal products or develop new alloys and processes

Biomedical Engineer

Combines biology, engineering, and medicine to help solve medical and scientific health problems

Quantity Surveyor

Estimates and monitors construction costs from the feasibility state, through tender preparation to the construction period and beyond

Agricultural Engineer

Performs and supervises engineering work related to the use and development of agricultural land, buildings, machines, and equipment

Agricultural Engineering Technologist

Analyses and modifies new and existing engineering technologies relating to the use and development of agricultural land, buildings, machines, and equipment

Electrical Engineering Technologist

Analyses and modifies new and existing electrical engineering technologies and applies them in the testing and implementation of electrical engineering projects

Energy Engineer

Plans, designs, organises, and oversees the construction or remodelling of energy generation plants and designs, develops, or evaluates energy related projects to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency

Energy Engineering Technologist

Analyses and modifies new and existing engineering technologies relating to the design and construction of nuclear reactors and auxiliary facilities

Electronics Engineer

Designs, develops adapts, installs tests and maintains electronic components circuits and systems used for computer systems, communication systems and other industrial applications

Architect

Designs building and advisees on the procurement of buildings provides concerns, plans, specifications, and detailed drawings and negotiates with builders

Urban and Regional Planner

Develops and implements plans and policies for the controlled use of urban and rural land and advises on economic environmental and social needs to land areas

Multimedia Designer

Plans designs and develops the production of digitally delivered information, promotional content, instructional material, and entertainment through online and recorded digital media using static and animated information, text, pictures, video, and sound to produce information and entertainment tailored to an intended audience and purpose

Specialist Nurse Educator

Lectures students and conducts tutorials in one or more subjects within a Specialist Nursing Programme at a Nursing Education Institution,(including a Nursing Department within a University (Nursing Faculty)), conducts clinical facilitation and accompaniment, conducts research in a particular field of knowledge.

University Lecturer – Senior Lecturer and above for only those CESM categories listed in Annexure 2

Lectures students and conducts tutorials in one or more subjects within a prescribed course of study at a university and conducts research in a particular field of knowledge

FET Phase School Teacher (Grade 10-12) – STEM Subjects only

Teachers one or more subjects at FET phase, including subjects intended to prepare students for employment in specific occupational areas as well as vocational

Senior Phase School Teacher (Grade 8-9) STEM Subjects only

Teachers one or more subjects at FET phase of schooling

Tax Professional

Analyses, reports, and provides advise on taxation issues to tax entities prepares and reviews tax returns and reports and handles disputes

External Auditor

Designs and operates information and reporting systems, procedures, and controls to meet external financial reporting requirements

Forensic Accountant

Examines financial records to detect and deter fraud and white-collar crime

Investment Analyst

Analyses individual securities, industries, and the economy, publishes reports and makes recommendations regarding investments

Investment Manager

Manages portfolio of securities in which he/she may exercise his/her own discretion on behalf of clients

Investment Advisor

Advises clients in respect of securities and other financial investments and instruments

Business Development Officer

Supports the coordination implementation, monitoring and reporting of local economic development initiatives in creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurs and businesses, encouraging investment, job opportunities to improve the economy and social upliftment of an area

Policy Analyst

Collects and analyses information and data to produce intelligence for public or private sector organisations to support planning, operations, and human resource functions

Corporate Treasurer

Managers corporate funding, liquidity and financial risk associated with the profitable development and operation of an organisation, may be involved in acquisitions, disposals, and joint ventures

Organisational Risk Manager

Advises organisations on assessment processes to determine actual and potential risks pertaining to the organisation as a total entity

Internal Auditor

Evaluates and improves the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes within an organisation

Occupational Instructor (Air Traffic Space)

Conducts and assesses training and development to ensure management and staff acquire the skills and develop the competencies required by an organisation to meet organisational objectives

Market Research Analyst

Determines the market for new goods and services, develops advertising strategies and evaluates the best business sites for commercial organisations

ICT Systems Analyst

Evaluates processes and methods used in existing ICT systems proposes modifications, additional system components or new systems to meet use needs as expresses in specifications and other documentation

Data Scientist

Collects large amounts of unruly data and transform it into a more usable format. They solve business related problems using data driven techniques, they work with a variety of programming languages including SAS, R and Python. They look for pattens in data as well as spotting trends that can help businesses. Data scientists use the most powerful programming systems and most efficient algorithms to solve problems

Software Developer

Research, analyses, and evaluates requirements for existing or new software applications and designs develops tests and maintains software solutions

Programmer Analyst

Designs, develops modifies documents and tests implements, installs, and supports software applications and systems

Developer Programmer

Interprets specifications technical designs and flow charts builds, maintains, and modifies the code for software applications, constructs technical specifications from a business functional model and tests and writes technical documentation

Multimedia Specialist

Creates and manipulates computer animation, audio, video, and graphic image files into multimedia programs to produce data and content for information kiosks, multimedia presentations, web sites, mobile telephone resources electronic gaming environments e-commerce and e-security solutions and entertainment and education products

Applications Programmer

Writes and maintains programmable code of software applications and operating systems

Computers Quality Assurance Analyst

Installs software and hardware and configures operating system software in preparation for testing and conduct testing

Computer Network and Systems Engineer

Plans develops deploys, tests, and optimises network and system services taking responsibility for configuration management and overall operational readiness of network systems especially environments with multiple operating systems and configurations and provides troubleshooting and fault-finding services for network problems

Network analyst

Research and analyses network architecture recommends policies and strategies for designing planning and coordinating an organisations network such as the total system environment and architecture. May also perform operational tasks such as monitoring system performance, software and hardware upgrades, backups, support, and network maintenance

ICT Security Specialist

Establishes manages and administers an organisations ICT security policy and procedures to ensure preventive and recovery strategies are in place and minimise the risk of internal and external security threats

Economist

Performs economic research and analysis; develops and applies theories about production and distribution of goods and services and peoples spending and financial behaviour and provides advice to governments and organisations on subjects relating to economic policies

Chemistry technician

Performs laboratory tests on organic and inorganic chemicals analyses test data and carries out technical

Town Planning Technician

Provides technical support to town planners by preparing and maintaining plans, documents, charts, photographs, tables, reports and exhibition material for projects, public meetings and committees related to the controlled use of urban and rural land

Electronic Engineering Technician

Conducts tests of electronic systems collects and analyses data and assembles circuitry in support of electronics engineers and engineering technologists

Mechanical Engineering Technician

Conducts tests of mechanical system, collects, and analyses data and assembles and installs mechanical assemblies in support of mechanical engineers and engineering technologists

Draughtsperson

Prepares technical drawings, maps and illustrations from sketches measurements and other data and copy final drawings and paintings into printing plates in support of architects, engineers, and engineering technologists. Note: the terms drafting technician or drafting officer can be used interchangeably

Air traffic controller

Ensures the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in controlled airspace and aerodromes by directing aircraft movements

Inbound Contact Centre Consultant (with first language speaking and translating capabilities in the following languages: German, Swiss German, Flemish, Greek, Swedish, Danish, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, mandarin, and French)

Provides expert response to complex customer inquiries according to agreed key performance indicators

Outbound Contact Centre Consultant (with first language speaking and translating capabilities in the following languages: German, Swiss German, Flemish, Greek, Swedish, Danish, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, mandarin, and French)

Initiates specialised contact with targeted and/or selected customers according to agreed key performance indicators or outcomes

Air conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic

Installs, maintains, and repairs piping, ducting and equipment for heating, cooling and ventilation of buildings or vessels

Metal Machinist

Sets up and operates machine tools to shape and form metal stock and castings to fine tolerances, using detailed drawings and specifications

Millwright

Installs, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs stationary industrial machinery and electromechanical equipment

Mechatronics Technician

Repairs and maintains integrated industrial systems based on mechanical electrical electronic and information technology and advanced technology components

Lift Mechanic

Designs, installs, maintains, services, and repairs electric and hydraulic passenger and freight lifts, escalators, moving walkways and other lift equipment

Electrical Equipment Mechanic

Services and repairs electrical equipment and household appliances

Transportation Electrician 

Installs, maintains, and repairs electrical wiring and electronic components in motorised vehicles

Instrument Mechanician (Industrial Instrumentation & Process Control)

Installs modifies and maintains and repairs electronic instruments and control systems

Dentist – Specialist (Community Dentistry)

Provide health services in dentistry confined to the specialty of community dentistry.

Dentist – Specialist (Maxillo and Oral Pathology)

Provide health services in dentistry confined to the specialty of Maxillo and Oral Pathology.

Dentist – Specialist (Maxillo Facial and Oral Surgery)

Provide health services in dentistry confined to the specialty of Maxillo and Oral Surgery.

Dentist – Specialist (Oral Medicine and Periodontics)

Provide health services in dentistry confined to the specialty of Oral Medicine and Periodontics .

Dentist – Specialist Prosthodontics

Provide health services in dentistry confined to the specialty of Prosthodontics

Medical Practitioner – Speacialist Anaesthesiology

Provide health services in medicine confined to the speciality of Anaesthesiology.

Medical Practitioner – Speacialist Cardiothoracic Surgery

Provide health services in medicine confined to the speciality of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Clinical Pharmacology

Provide health services in medicine confined to the speciality of Clinical Pharmacology.

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Public Health

Provide health services in medicine confined to Public Health

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Dermatology

Provide health services in medicine confined to Dermatology

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Diagnostic Radiology

Provide health services in medicine confined to Diagnostic Radiology

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Emergency Medicine

Provide health services in medicine confined to Emergency Medicine

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Medicine

Provide health services in medicine confined to Medicine

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Neurology

Provide health services in medicine confined to the speciality of Neurology.

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Neurosurgery

Provide health services in medicine confined to the speciality of Neurosurgery.

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Provide health services in medicine confined to the speciality of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Ophthalmology

Provide health services in medicine confined to the speciality of Ophthalmology

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Orthopaedics

Provide health services in medicine confined to the speciality of Orthopaedics

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Otorhinolaryngology

Provide health services in medicine confined to the speciality of Otorhinolaryngology

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Paediatrics

Provide health services in medicine confined to the speciality of Paediatrics

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Pathology (Anatomical)

Provide health services in medicine confined to the speciality of Pathology (Anatomical)

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Pathology (Chemical)

Provide health services in medicine confined to the speciality of Pathology (Chemical)

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Pathology (Clinical)

Provide health services in medicine confined to the speciality of Pathology (Clinical)

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Pathology (Forensic)

Provide health services in medicine confined to the speciality of Pathology (Forensic)

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Pathology (Haematological)

Provide health services in medicine confined to the speciality of Pathology (Haematological)

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Pathology (Microbiological)

Provide health services in medicine confined to the speciality of Pathology (Microbiological)

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Pathology (Virological)

Provide health services in medicine confined to the speciality of Pathology (Virological)

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Provide health services in medicine confined to the speciality of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Psychiatry

Provide health services in medicine confined to the speciality of Psychiatry

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Radiation Oncology

Provide health services in medicine confined to the speciality of Radiation Oncology

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Surgery

Provide health services in medicine confined to the speciality of Surgery

Medical Practitioner – Specialist Urology

Provide health services in medicine confined to the speciality of  Urology

Registered Nurse – Intensive/Critical Care Nursing

Provides nursing care to patients with life threatening illnesses in intensive/critical care unit as part of a multi-disciplinary team, in health establishments as defined by the national health act, 2003 (ACT No. 61 of 2003)

Registered Nurse – Menta; Health (Phsychiatric) Nursing

Provides nursing care to patients with mental health illness, disorder and dysfunction, and experiencing emotional difficulties, distress and crisis in health, welfare and aged care facilities, correctional services and the community.

Registered Nurse – Peri-operative Nursing (Theater Technique)

Provides nursing care to patients before, during and immediately after surgery, assists surgeons and anesthetists during surgery.

Registered Nurse – Emergency Nursing (Trauma)

Provides nursing care to patients before, during and immediately after surgery and assists surgeons and anesthetists during surgery.

Registered Nurse – Child Nursing (Pediatric Nursing)

Provides Nursing care to Children in the pediatric setting as part of multidisciplinary team, in health establishments as defined by the national health act, 2003 (Act No. 61 of 2003)

Registered Nurse – Midwife Specialist

Provides advanced maternal and neonatal care tp ante-natal (before), intrapartum (during labour) and post-natal (after delivery) patients

Industrial Pharmacist

Undertakes research, testing and analysis related to the development, production, storage, quality control and distribution of drugs and related supplies 

Veterinarian

Veterinarians diagnose, prevent and treat diseases, injuries and dysfunctions of animals. They may provide care to a wide range of animals or specialize in the treatment of a particular animal group or in a particular specialty area, or provide professional services to commercial firms producing biological and pharmaceutical products.

Veterinary Nurse

Cares for animals under treatment or in temporary residence at veterinary facilities and assists veterinarians to perform procedures and operations