Investigating Early Mandatory Retirement within the South African Context: Implications for Skills Retention, Productivity, and Service Delivery in the ICT Sector

This study seeks to assess the impact of Early Mandatory Retirement (EMR) on workforce competence, knowledge preservation, productivity, and service provision in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry in South Africa. This study seeks to investigate the correlation among EMR, training and succession planning, retention of skills and knowledge, productivity, and service delivery within a public-sector Information and Communication Technology (ICT) context. The research utilised a quantitative methodology based on the positivist framework and implemented a cross-sectional survey technique. Data were gathered from personnel of a South African public-sector ICT organization that caters to governmental ministries. The intended demographic comprised 3,400 ICT professionals, yielding 109 replies using simple random sampling. A methodical interviewer-led questionnaire utilising a five-point Likert scale was employed for data collection. Statistical examination was performed utilising SPSS, which included exploratory factor analysis, reliability and validity assessments, Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The results indicate substantial correlations between EMR and essential organisational factors. EMR shown a favourable correlation with Training and Succession Planning (r = 0.595, p < 0.01), Skills and Knowledge (r = 0.408, p < 0.01), and Service Delivery (r = 0.347, p < 0.01). The regression analysis reveals that EMR, together with Training and Succession Planning, collectively accounted for 19.3% of the variance in Skills and Knowledge. Furthermore, a robust positive link was identified between Productivity and Service Delivery (r = 0.704, p < 0.01). The principal conclusions of the research indicate that (i) EMR markedly affects employee competence and knowledge preservation, (ii) efficient training and succession strategies alleviate the negative consequences of workforce departures, and (iii) employee proficiency significantly influences productivity and service delivery results. The research offers actual data endorsing strategic succession planning, mentorship, and knowledge transfer efforts in the South African ICT industry.