Are you looking to work abroad? Keen to experience living in Africa? Apply to work in South Africa! With modern cities, a rich cultural history, diverse population, beautiful beaches and exotic wildlife, there are so many reasons to move to South Africa.
Most foreigners live in Cape Town and Johannesberg, the two major cities in South Africa where the business districts are located. If you have a degree, there are more jobs for you in South Africa. You can get a higher position here compared to any other countries like in Europe or the Middle East.
As well as paid work, there are lots of volunteering opportunities in South Africa helping wildlife and communities which are really rewarding.
Top Rated Opportunities
Guide to Working in South Africa
Find out more information about South Africa including everything you need to know about moving here to live and work.
South Africa Facts
Area: 1,221,037 km2
Capitals: Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial) and Cape Town (legislative)
Largest City: Johannesburg
Demonym: South African
Population: 49,991,300
Languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu
Government: Constitutional parliamentary republic
Currency: Rand
Ethnic Groups: 79.4% Black, 9.2% White, 8.8% Colored, 2.6% Asian
History
The republic of South Africa is located on the southern tip of the African continent. The capital Cape Town was originally founded in 1652 by Dutch explorers on behalf of the Dutch East India trading company. The country is bordered to the North y Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana. To the East is Mozambique and Swaziland. The enclave of Lesotho is also in the east surrounded by South African territory.
South Africa is a multi-ethnic society and has eleven official languages with the main two being Afrikaans and English. The population is estimated at 50 million people with 79.5% of them being of black African descent. South Africa is home to the largest communities of Asians and Europeans on the African continent. The countries currency is the Rand.
The country was often fought over by colonial powers but the most infamous conflict was the Boer war, fought between the British Empire and the Dutch settlers of the region. The country became a part of the empire until it declared independence in 1961. South Africa has had a troubled past, the apartheid government oppressed the population and xenophobia was rife, it wasn’t until 1994 that the regime ended and the country became a parliamentary republic.
South Africa is the 25th largest country in the world. Its vast interior is mostly flat and sparsely populated scrubland with the majority of its population living on the coastal regions. The east of the country is lush and green with a climate similar to that found in the tropics. South Africa is a resource rich country with reserves of Gold, Diamonds and many other minerals.
Culture
Most of the foreigners living in South Africa applaud its diversity towards its culture. They don’t feel like they are missing their countries since South Africa has adapted both western and Asian cultures through the years. South Africa was once colonized by Europe which explains why mixed races are normal in the country. Also, some of their tradition and community is somewhat likely to some European countries.
However, despite of their western-culture adaptation, South Africa still managed to embrace and celebrate their homegrown culture. In fact, South Africans are known to be one of the happiest people on earth as they love to feast, dance and sing during special occasions. South Africans also love sports. Football or soccer is their national sport.
Employment Rates
The unemployment rate in South Africa is very high, currently standing at 25%. In the countryside that figure may be as high as a staggering 70%. Fortunately for you, these figures mostly relate to the masses of unskilled workers in the country. A large number of South Africa’s skilled workforce has left to work in the US and the UK, creating a large skills shortage. If you are skilled then South Africa will welcome you with open arms.
Is it Difficult to Find Work in South Africa?
To work in South Africa you need a work permit. If you are granted permanent residency then a work permit will be included. As with most countries you are far more likely to be accepted for a permit if you have already found a job. Foreign nationals are allowed to work and live in South Africa through working permits for a fixed period, depending on the job offer. Initially, a working permit is awarded for only one year, but this agreed-upon period may be extended if the employment position continues. The career paths that offer the most options in South Africa are Teaching, Engineering, medical staff and IT specialists. Due to South Africa not being as popular with expats as other countries such as Australia or Canada there are more opportunities available for immigrants.
Pay and Conditions
The average working week in South Africa is 40 to 45 hours. The pay is a lot lower than what you would expect to be paid back in the UK, so be prepared to for a lower wage than what you are used to.
National Holidays
Here are South Africa’s national holiday dates:
• New Year’s Day (1 January), Human Rights Day (21 March), Good Friday (22 April),
• Family Day (Easter Monday – 25 April), Freedom Day (27 April), Worker’s Day (1 May),
• Youth Day (16 June), National Women’s Day (9 August), Heritage Day (24 September),
•Day of Reconciliation (16 December), Christmas Day (25 December), Day of Goodwill (26 December).
Top Tips for Finding Work
Searching online is the best option, or locally whilst in SA. A lot of jobs in SA are listed online or in the local papers.
You could use a recruiting agency. South Africa has many such organisations to help people into work, but be aware that there are many fraudulent ones who will try and charge you exorbitant amounts for their services.
Networking is invaluable if you are in-country, join groups to get in contact with local people who have already taken the plunge and learn from their experience, they may even point you to an available job.
Research the area you’re hoping to move to thoroughly. Unemployment is rife in certain areas of SA, so be sure to avoid those.
Have your degree and certificates ready to send to an employer, most will want visual proof that you have the qualifications you claim to have.
Language
Whilst we can’t teach you Afrikaans we can provide you with a few common words and phrases that are essential to survive living in the country. If you don’t speak Afrikaans, it’s best to enrol in a course at a local language school, preferably before arriving in the country. Most citizens of South Africa can speak English but it always pays to learn the native language of your new chosen home.
South African VISAs
Not every foreigner will need a VISA to enter South Africa for travel, business or transit purposes. However, if you want to go to the country in order to study or live there then you will need to apply for a Visa.