In the context of a rapidly transforming society, the present article discusses issues facing career counselling in higher education in South Africa. Using the Systems Theory Framework of career development, the article considers the multi-levelled and multi-layered national and international context in which the challenges facing career counselling are located. Through a case study of a Black South African higher education student, an application of a qualitative career assessment approach is described as one practical response to these challenges. The opportunity for career counsellors to respond proactively by coordinating a systemic response to the limitations of their discipline in higher education in South Africa is proposed. (Contains 1 figure.)