Professionals' confidence on the rise - Survey

Macy Seperepere, Manager: Professional Associations at PPS.

South African graduate professionals’ overall confidence across a number of socio-economic factors increased in the first quarter of 2015, rising two percentage points to 54% from the last quarter of 2014. This is according to the latest results from the 2015 PPS Professional Confidence Index (PCI) which surveyed over 4 600 graduate professionals.

Macy Seperepere, Manager: Professional Associations at PPS, says that while an overall confidence level of 54% is still a relatively low reading for the index, it is positive to note that general sentiment has improved among the professional market.

There are a number of possible reasons why graduates could be feeling more optimistic, says Seperepere. “If we look at the overall results of the last few years, we see that respondents tend to be more positive at the start of each year, with confidence gradually decreasing throughout the 12-month period. However, the 2015 figures are the lowest the index has produced since it started in 2011.”

The survey revealed a confidence level of 78% when the respondents were asked about their confidence in the future of their profession over the next five years, possibly suggesting that respondents are inspired by the number of other professionals returning to the country, says Seperepere.

The Homecoming Revolution recently stated that 359,000 South Africans have returned in the past five years, with 34 000 expatriates considering returning to the country. This is important because for every one skilled person who returns to South Africa, nine new jobs are created in the formal and informal sectors the organisation said.

“People often think the grass is greener on the other side when it comes to deciding whether to emigrate or not. The reality is that wherever one decides to live there will always be both advantages and disadvantages to every country, and sometimes familiarity can bring more comfort,” says Seperepere.

Confidence in the future of the economy over the next five years also increased by two percentage points to 51%.

The recent announcement that a consortium led by Bravura Equity Services plans to establish a stock exchange in South Africa for companies that are currently trading their shares on over-the-counter platforms could be very positive for the local economy, notes Seperepere. “This news could have definitely resulted in an uptick in confidence in the economy as a second stock exchange could mean more jobs.”

Other results from the survey that increased, albeit marginally, included: confidence in the standard of education at a basic school level and tertiary level over the next five years rose one percentage point to 46% and 60% respectively. Confidence that crime rates and unemployment would improve over the next five years increased one percentage point to 38%.

“Even though the increases in confidence levels may seem minimal, it is positive to note an upward trend. It is important that graduate professionals remain positive regarding the opportunities in the country as they are a vital part of our country’s successful future,” concludes Seperepere.

Professional Confidence Index PDF.

PPS Infographic PDF.