Determinants of skills demand in a state- intervening labour market. The case of South African transport sector
Date
2019-02-20
Authors
Khotso, Tsotsotso
Elizabeth, Montshiwa
Precious, Tirivanhu
Tebogo, Fish
Siyabonga, Sibiya
Tshepo, Mlangeni
Matsemela, Moloi
Nhlanhla, Mahlangu
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Emerald Insights
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of the drivers and
determinants of skills demand in South Africa, given the country’s history and its current design as a developmental state.
Design/methodology/approach – In this study, a mixed methods approach is used. The study draws information from in-depth interviews with transport sector stakeholders including employers, professional bodies, sector regulatory bodies and training providers. Complementary to the interviews, the study also analyses employer-reported workplace skills plans from 1,094 transport sector firms updated annually.
A Heckman correction model is applied.
Findings – The study finds that changes in competition, technology, ageing employees, market conditions and government regulations are among the most frequently stated determinants reported through interviews. Using a Heckman regression model, the study identifies eight determining factors, which include location of firm, size of a firm, occupation type, racial and generational transformation, sub-sector of the firm, skills alignment to National Qualification Framework, reason for skills scarcity and level of skills scarcity reported. The South African transport sector skills demand is therefore
mainly driven by the country’s history and consequently its current socio-economic policies as applied by the state itself.
Research limitations/implications – Wage rates are explored during stakeholder interviews and the study suggests that wage rates are an insignificant determinant of skills demand in the South African transport sector. However, due to poor reporting by firms, wage rates did not form a part of the quantitative analysis of the study. This serves as a limitation of the study.
Practical implications – Through this research, it is now clear that the state has more determining power (influence) in the transport sector than it was perceived. The state can use its power to be a more effective enabler towards increasing employer participation in skills development of the sector.
Social implications – With increased understanding and awareness of state’s influence in the sector, the country’s mission to redress the social ills of the former state on black South Africans stands a better chance of success. Private sector resources can be effectively mobilized to improve the social state of previously disadvantaged South Africans. However, given the economic dominance of the private sector and its former role in the apartheid era in South Africa; too much state influence in a supposedly free
market can result in corporate resistance and consequently, market failure which can be seen as result of political interference.
Description
Keywords
Determinants of skills demand in a state, The case of South African transport sector intervening labour market