Session Abstract: This session will cover a strategic workforce planning framework tailored for South African higher education institutions, integrating HEMIS staff and student data; national labor market intelligence from DHET, Stats SA, and the Department of Employment and Labour, as well as real-time data from LinkedIn and online job portals. Attendees will learn how data-driven tools, such as predictive analytics dashboards, planning hackathons, and skills development pathways, can align workforce strategies with NDP 2030 and respond to the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The objective is to equip institutional leaders with evidence-based methods to improve resource allocation, strengthen succession management, enhance institutional resilience, and support sustainable development.