Organizations utilize talent management as one integrated method to attract and retain staff, resulting in long-term competitive advantage. However, it has emerged that higher education institutions (HEIs) in South Africa (SA) are experiencing talent management challenges. The study aimed to establish talent management practices that are poorly managed in a selected SA HEI and further recommend ways to improve talent management practices leading to sustainable competitive advantage. The study was carried out using mixed methods within the interpretive and positivist research paradigms. This study interviewed 7 non-academic staff using purposive sampling; questionnaires were randomly distributed to 153 academic staff working at one selected HEI. Results of the study indicate shortcomings in workforce planning, succession planning, and performance management. It became clear that these three talent management functions were poorly managed by the HEI. This study further recommended ways to improve talent management practices that should significantly lead to the sustainable competitive advantage of the institution.