In the face of tough economic conditions and a widening skills gap, outsourcing IT functions has become a tactical win for businesses in South Africa. Craig Freer, head of division at qwerty, notes that the country has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including load shedding and the pandemic. With high interest rates, rising inflation, and a contracting economy, businesses have had to accelerate their digital transformation journeys. However, this requires specialised skills in cloud computing, data compliance, cybersecurity, and more. Building a decent IT department would require at least seven highly skilled staff resources, which is difficult in a skills-shortage environment. Outsourcing IT functionality can help businesses gain access to crucial skills and expertise without having to source, train, and retain them themselves. This strategy can bring down costs, ensure IT is no longer break-and-fix, and provide access to best practice from an entire team of IT specialists. With the urgent need to address the critical skills shortage, outsourcing IT functions has become an increasingly compelling option for businesses in South Africa.