Abstract
Research, conversations and debates on the key HR skills in high demand have produced significant implications for the development of new competency models. Globally, studies have been undertaken on the new competencies which should define the HR business partner of the 21st century. The HR competency model of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) was used determine the extent to which the HR vacancies reflect critical skills during the year 2015 in a South African newspaper. The study found a 21% high demand for verbal and written communication skills, followed by business acumen at 18.2%. Ethical practice is low at 0.3%. The outcome of this research add to the ongoing expectation for HR Professionals to grow their business acumen.