Computer Network and Systems Engineer Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
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.
What does a Computer Network and Systems Engineer do?
A Computer Network and Systems Engineer designs, sets up, tests and improves network and system services. The work includes managing configurations, checking that systems are operationally ready, supporting environments with different operating systems and configurations, and diagnosing and resolving network faults. Related roles include Network Engineer, Systems Engineer, Computer Network Engineer and Systems Integrator.
Specialisations
How to become a Computer Network and Systems Engineer in South Africa
- Build a foundation in computer networks, operating systems, systems integration, configuration management and technical troubleshooting.
- Review the listed engineering-related qualification pathways, including National Certificate: N1 Engineering Studies, National Certificate: General Education and Training: Engineering, National Certificate (GETC): Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Activities, Chemical Operations: Engineering and National Diploma: Mining Engineering.
- Before enrolling, confirm with SAQA or an accredited provider that the qualification is suitable for computer networking and systems engineering, and check current provider, assessment and progression details.
- Develop practical ability by working with network configurations, different operating systems, system deployment, testing and fault finding.
- Seek relevant workplace exposure and progressively take responsibility for the operational readiness and optimisation of network systems.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
The qualifications listed provide possible engineering-related pathways, but their relevance to computer networking and systems engineering should be confirmed before choosing one. Current admission, provider and assessment details should also be checked with SAQA or an accredited provider. Management or senior engineering responsibility may develop through workplace progression and increasing responsibility as well as through education.
Useful school subjects
- Mathematics
- Information Technology
- Computer Applications Technology
- Physical Sciences
- English
Skills that may help
- Network planning and design
- Systems deployment and testing
- Configuration management
- Operating-system support across different environments
- Network troubleshooting and fault finding
- Systems optimisation
- Systems integration
- Analytical problem-solving