The 4IR has brought about progress that has had a major impact on industries and educational institutions worldwide. The HE sector in SA has to deal with many challenges to adapt to 4IR and also to ensure that students master the necessary soft skills required for success in an increasingly digital and automated world. This SLR examined the impact of the 4IR on developing soft skills among students in HEIs in SA. A comprehensive search of articles and literature published between 2019 and 2024 was conducted and was conducted across multiple databases. The literature review confirmed how integrating advanced digital technologies into higher education has impacted the development of soft skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, communication, and problem-solving. The findings confirmed that despite the many benefits of 4IR, HEIs still face significant challenges, including inadequate technological infrastructure, limited digital literacy, and a lack of strategic approaches to incorporate soft skills into traditional curricula. The study concluded that successfully addressing the challenges of 4IR requires much more investment in technology and the implementation of innovative pedagogical practices and curriculum reforms that emphasize holistic skill development. Therefore, based on these insights, recommendations were made for educational leaders and industry stakeholders to develop comprehensive frameworks, including curriculum design, more collaboration between HEIs and industries, and greater emphasis on lifelong learning initiatives to impact the holistic development of students' soft skills. The gaps in existing research have been identified and focused on the challenges faced by South African HEIs. Challenges include increased investment in educational resources, curriculum development, and technology adoption to ensure the country remains competitive within the global 4IR context. These conclusions have laid a foundation for future research, particularly aimed at adapting strategies to improve soft skills development in HEIs in SA to prepare students for the future demands of the workforce.
