Get a job in South Africa

The unemployment rate in South Africa is 34.4%, making it one of the highest in the world. However, the country has a large pool of semi-skilled and unskilled labor, and most businesses would rather recruit locals than foreigners.

However, highly competent persons from other countries are actively encouraged to apply in shortage areas. South Africa actively promotes the idea of foreign employees establishing their own enterprises in the nation if doing so would result in an influx of foreign capital or the creation of local jobs for the country's jobless population.

If you do decide to relocate, you won't be at a loss for things to do in your spare time. Cape Town, South Africa's capital, is home to stunning vistas from the peak of Table Mountain, a variety of beautiful beaches, and cultural attractions like the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art.

Alternatively, if you're willing to travel a bit further, you may go on safari in the renowned Kruger National Park, marvel at the scenery in Maloti-Drakensberg Park, or even cage-dive with great white sharks.

South Africa's Job Market

South Africa is one of the most industrialized countries in Africa and has the second-largest economy on the continent, after Nigeria. As well as being a pioneer in mining and mineral processing, other important industries in this country include the production of vehicles, agriculture, banking, and finance. The country also boasts highly developed industries including law, energy, and transportation.

Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban are three of the most populated cities in South Africa, and hence the ones where you are most likely to find work. South Africa is home to the local offices of several international conglomerates.

Barclays
BMW
Dell
Deloitte
GlaxoSmithKline
L'Oreal
McDonald's
PepsiCo
PwC
Toyota.

A placement or secondment to work for any of these firms or any other multinational in South Africa may be available to you if you currently have a position with them in your home country.

Competency gaps

The following occupations are highlighted as critical on the Critical Skills List 2021:

Accountant
Architect
Bookkeeper
Corporate Secretary and Company Chef
Professional Management Advice from an Electrician
Technician in the field of multimedia

Job titles include web designer, professor, and retail manager.

This is by no means an all-inclusive list, so use it as a guide in determining whether or not you possess the necessary knowledge and experience to succeed in a position that is currently open.

Tips for Finding Employment in South Africa

Jobs in South Africa must be posted on a national level in accordance with the legislation. If no qualified South Africans apply for a position, then the position will be made accessible to foreign employees.

So, if you currently work for a firm in your home country, you may be able to use that connection to get job in South Africa. Unless a secondment is available, most international employees secure employment before moving abroad. There are several methods to start your job hunt from the comfort of your own home. We may use search engines as a jumping off point:

Try browsing the classified ads sections of South African newspapers that are available online.

The South African equivalent of the Yellow Pages would be your best bet when looking for a staffing firm. Think about sending a blank application to a firm you're interested in working for if they don't have any openings currently.

Work Opportunities for the Summer

In comparison to the United Kingdom, there is a smaller selection of paid summer employment available here. However, you could be in luck if you happen to have the specialized abilities necessary for a certain position. Consider working as an au pair during the summer if you have expertise with youngsters.

Since South Africa is a well-liked vacation spot, you might perhaps find short-term work in the hotel sector as well.

There is a wide variety of options for the financially stable traveler this summer. While Enkosini focuses on protecting wildlife, Oyster Worldwide provides summer internships in fields like veterinary medicine and sports coaching.

Find a career in education

If you want to teach English in South Africa, you'll need to have a TEFL certificate and some classroom experience under your belt. While English is widely spoken in the nation, few opportunities for TEFL employment exist because of this. The posts that do need filling are mainly awarded to local South Africans.

English-speaking teachers' aides are in more demand in rural regions, where a greater diversity of languages are spoken, especially those with training in mathematics, science, and technology. There is still hope for you to find a teaching job in South Africa if you possess these specific qualifications.

Opportunities to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL) may be found in South Africa, and further information can be found at:

Internships

You may get a feel for the nation and a taste of your desired field of study through any number of internships and placements in South Africa. While there are some paid internships available for overseas students, the pool of available internships is small.

Visit GoAbroad - Internships in South Africa to learn about available internships in fields including social work, medicine, animal science, engineering, finance, and public relations.

Passports and visas for South Africa

To work in South Africa, non-citizens and non-permanent residents alike require a valid work visa.

There are four different types of work visas that can be used to gain employment in the nation.

The standard work visa, which covers the vast majority of applicants and is good for up to five years, is the most popular option. Please provide a copy of your signed permanent job contract with your application.
Critical competencies — for employees in what the government of South Africa considers to be "critical" sectors. You don't require a job offer to apply for this visa, which is good for up to five years, but you will need to show proof of your abilities and/or credentials in writing.
Intra-company transfer (ICT) - if you've worked for a multinational firm in your home country for a minimum of six months, you can seek to relocate to its South African office. The length of time an ICT visa can be valid for is up to four years.
If you wish to establish a business in South Africa, you must first get a business visa. You'll need a comprehensive business strategy, evidence that your firm complies with South African company legislation, and the participation of at least 60% South Africans in order to be considered.
Take the Work Visa South Africa test to find out which visa you need. Visit the Department of Home Affairs - Visas and VFS Global for a complete rundown of what you need to submit for each visa category.

Applying for a work visa will set you back around £80. Included in this submission are two passport-sized color pictures, detailed details about your lodging and travel budget, and a valid passport. You must submit these documents to the South African consulate or embassy in your country.

You must present documentation of your visa before boarding your flight to South Africa. South African officials may force you into a return flight if you don't comply. If you want to be sure you have your work visa in time before you leave, you should apply at least six weeks before your departure.

Preferably in the Required Language

Even though all 11 of South Africa's official languages are given equal status in the legislation, English is used almost exclusively in the country's classrooms, newspapers, and television news. Working knowledge of English and Afrikaans will get you by in South Africa, but you will hear the other nine official languages spoken every day.

You may learn some basic Afrikaans phrases on a special page on Omniglot.

What to say to potential employers about your UK education

If your UK credentials are valid, potential employers in South Africa shouldn't have any problems recognizing them. If you are an applicant in South Africa and want to know more about verifying your foreign credentials and determining if your school is recognized, you may do both by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

How is the Work Environment in South Africa?

Workweeks typically run from Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, with overtime available for up to 10 hours a week at double pay on Sundays.

The minimum wage in South Africa increased in March 2021, with agricultural employees earning R21.69 (£1.06) per hour and domestic workers earning R19.09 (£0.53) per hour. In 2018, the nation instituted its first-ever minimum wage in an effort to provide its workforce with a decent standard of living compensation.

Without including South Africa's 12 public holidays, employees are entitled to a holiday period of 21 days' continuous leave every year.

Once you begin working in South Africa, you must register with the South African Revenue Service as a new taxpayer. Your taxable income is determined by where you actually live. You will only be subject to South African taxation on your South African-earned income as a non-permanent resident.