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A systematic literature review: The cloud-native software development skills in South Africa

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: The global rise of cloud technology has greatly changed software development, making it a complicated field that now needs skills in cloud-native applications, containerization, web services, microservices, APIs, and other cloud-related ideas. This study aimed to examine the adoption of cloud-native technology by the ICT sector in South Africa for software development. This aimed to tackle a research issue arising from the expansion of cloud technology that impacts conventional software development practices and reskilling; thus, the research question: What are the present and future requirements for cloud-native software development skills in the South African industry? A systematic review was performed utilizing 179 peer-reviewed research articles obtained from esteemed databases such as IEEE Xplore Digital Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and ACM Digital Library to investigate the adoption of cloud-native technology by South African industries. Despite a minimal level of cloud computing adoption among firms in South Africa, the study has confirmed a significant deficiency in research on cloud-native software development worldwide, with South Africa demonstrating the greatest absence, as limited research has been conducted in that region. The study suggested recommendations for future research to broaden the inquiry by incorporating additional relevant databases, job post content analysis, expert interviews, and comparisons with other regions. The proposed research questions for future research include: 1) What emerging trends are influencing the future skill requirements for cloud-native software development? 2) How are the South African higher education institutions responding to the cloud-native software development demands through curriculum and training initiatives?

Source: Procedia Computer Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.procs.2026.02.442

Authors: Mashitishi Phurutsi, Nkqubela Ruxwana, Cecil Kgoetiane, Tshinakaho Seaba

Institutions: Tshwane University of Technology, Higher Colleges of Technology, Nelson Mandela University

Language: English

Topic: Information Systems Education and Curriculum Development

Subfield: Information Systems

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Tshwane University of Technology