Technical ICT Support Services Manager Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Manages and controls systems and network engineering support service functions, including strategy, support for business development, quality of service and operations. Ensures specialist technical expertise and support in installing, testing, tuning, optimising, diagnosing problems, repairing, upgrading and maintaining both externally and internally supplied networks, hardware and systems software.
What does a Technical ICT Support Services Manager do?
A Technical ICT Support Services Manager leads the technical support function that keeps an organisation’s networks, hardware and systems software reliable and fit for purpose. The work combines operational management with specialist oversight of installation, testing, troubleshooting, repairs, upgrades, optimisation, service quality and support for business development.
How to become a Technical ICT Support Services Manager in South Africa
- Build foundational knowledge in information technology, technical support, computer hardware, systems software and networks.
- Consider a relevant South African study route, such as the Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Technical Support (NQF Level 4, 163 credits) or the National Certificate: Information Technology: Technical Support (NQF Level 4, 163 credits).
- For more advanced technical preparation, consider the Diploma: Information Technology: Technical (NQF Level 5, 240 credits) or the Higher Certificate in Information Technology in Information Systems (NQF Level 5, 120 credits).
- Develop practical capability in installing, testing, tuning, diagnosing, repairing, upgrading and maintaining ICT systems and networks.
- Move towards supervisory and management responsibility by demonstrating reliable service delivery, technical judgement, quality control and the ability to support business needs. Relevant education can support entry into the field, while management roles commonly also involve workplace progression and increasing responsibility within an organisation.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
Confirm the current status, availability, admission requirements and assessment arrangements for any qualification with SAQA, the relevant quality council or an accredited provider. The qualification routes listed are relevant to technical ICT support, but a management position may also depend on workplace progression, leadership responsibility and experience in managing technical service functions. The National Certificate: Victim Empowerment and Support is listed as a route associated with this occupation, but it does not closely match the technical ICT duties described, so prospective learners should verify its relevance before choosing it.
Useful school subjects
- Information Technology
- Computer Applications Technology
- Mathematics
- English
Skills that may help
- Network and systems support
- Technical troubleshooting and diagnosis
- Hardware and systems software maintenance
- Installation, testing and optimisation
- Repairing and upgrading ICT equipment and systems
- Service quality and operations management
- Technical planning and strategy
- Business development support