Work in South Africa

South Africa has one of the highest unemployment rates globally at 31.9% and one of the lowest employment-to-population ratios among emerging economies. The country is still addressing the long-term effects of apartheid, which created lasting inequalities in education and work opportunities. Government policies often favour South African candidates, so some sectors are very competitive and overall job competition is high.

Unemployment varies by province. The Western Cape recently dropped below 20%, adding 70,000 jobs quarter-on-quarter - the lowest in the country. Limpopo sits at around 30%, with the Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal at 31% and 32% respectively.

Safety can be a concern in some areas due to higher crime rates, but most precautions are similar to those you'd take in any major city. Many international workers feel more comfortable once they settle into local routines, get to know their neighbourhood, and learn which areas to avoid at night.

While national employment remains low, high-demand fields actively welcome global talent. South African employers particularly struggle to fill roles in engineering, digital technology, healthcare, and skilled trades - opening up opportunities for qualified international applicants. There are also growing opportunities for entrepreneurship - cities like Cape Town are becoming regional startup hubs, with strong research networks and entrepreneurial activity.

Outside of work, South Africa offers unforgettable experiences - you could hike and explore Cape Town's coastline and museums, go on a safari in Kruger National Park, trek the Drakensberg mountains, or try cage diving with great white sharks.

Jobs in South Africa

South Africa has the largest economy in Africa, but breaking into the job market can be competitive, as many employers prioritise local candidates. The country's major industries include:

• automotive manufacturing
• finance and banking
• legal and professional services
• mining
• transport infrastructure.

If you're aiming to work for a global brand, many operate in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, including:

• BMW
• Dell
• Deloitte
• GlaxoSmithKline
• L'Oréal
• McDonald's
• PepsiCo
• PwC
• Toyota.

If you already work for a multinational firm, there may be opportunities to transfer to a South African branch or take on a short-term placement, building on your existing experience.

Skills shortages

South Africa's Critical Skills List (2024) highlights the jobs where international talent is in the highest demand. The biggest shortages fall into six key areas:

• agriculture and environmental sciences - farm and environmental managers, geologists, hydrologists, environmental scientists, sustainability specialists, and agricultural consultants.
• engineering - civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, environmental, mining, agricultural, aeronautical, metallurgical, and biomedical engineering.
• finance and accounting - finance managers, internal auditors, credit managers, tax and fraud specialists, statisticians, actuaries, and accountants.
• healthcare - medical practitioners, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and clinical psychologists.
• infrastructure and transport - water and road transport managers, urban and regional planners, fleet managers, and airport or harbour managers, alongside transport and water-quality analysts.
• public services and education - police officers, government managers, teachers and principals, university lecturers, counsellors.

This list is updated regularly, so it's worth checking for the latest role requirements.

South Africa's start-up ecosystem is also expanding - Durban is becoming a logistics-tech hub, while Johannesburg leads in fintech and AI. According to the Critical Skills List, graduates with digital skills are sought after in fields like:

• cyber security
• data science
• network engineering
• software engineering
• web design.

How to get a job in South Africa

South African law requires that all job vacancies be advertised nationally before employers can consider international candidates. This means that hiring processes can take longer than in the UK - often six to 12 weeks, and you'll usually need to demonstrate that no suitably qualified South African could fill the role.

For many, the easiest way to work in South Africa is through an existing connection, such as an internship, a placement, or a multinational company with branches in the country.

If you're applying from overseas, online interviews are standard, and CVs are similar in style to those in the UK. South African employers place strong emphasis on practical experience, so be sure to highlight any:

• internships
• part-time work
• volunteering.

Many companies use applicant-tracking systems (ATS), so tailoring your CV with local keywords - such as a 'South African Qualifications Authority-verified degree' - can improve your chances. WhatsApp is widely used for interview confirmations and sending documents, so having a working phone number, either your own or a local SIM, is beneficial.

If you're applying independently, you usually need to secure a job before you arrive. Popular job boards include:

• CareerJet
• CareerJunction
• Careers24 Jobs
• Indeed - South Africa
• MyJobMag
• Pnet.co.za

You can also browse classified adverts in national newspapers like Mail & Guardian online or Times Live, or use Yep! to find recruitment agencies or send speculative applications.

Many multinational companies also run structured graduate programmes. These are usually advertised six to nine months before they begin, so planning ahead is key. For example, Deloitte's graduate schemes open in January for roles starting the following July.

Summer jobs

Paid summer work in South Africa is more limited than in the UK, but opportunities do exist, particularly if you have relevant experience. For example, au pair roles are available if you have childcare experience, while tourism and hospitality jobs suit those with skills in customer service, food and beverage, or event management.

Tourism is growing, and seasonal roles are typically offered in popular hotspots such as Cape Town, the Garden Route, and Kruger National Park. Employers in these sectors increasingly value specialist skills like:

• first aid
• barista training
• digital marketing (to support bookings and social media).

Hospitality roles usually pay around R20 to R35 per hour (£0.80 to £1.45), while au pair positions often include accommodation and meals, which can help offset living costs even if cash earnings are lower.

If you're able to self-fund a working holiday, there are volunteer options that combine practical experience with travel. Organisations like Oyster Worldwide offer projects in sports coaching and veterinary care, while Enkosini focuses on wildlife conservation, including:

• animal rehabilitation
• eco-tourism initiatives.

These placements can provide valuable experience for future job applications and help you build local networks.

Teaching jobs

If you want to teach in South Africa, you'll usually need a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualification and some teaching experience. While English is widely spoken, paid English-teaching jobs are limited, though rural schools often seek English-fluent teaching assistants.

If you already hold UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), your qualification is generally recognised, although some schools may request additional documents or references.

Salaries typically range from R18,000 to R30,000 (£780 to £1,300) per month, depending on the school and subject. Most international teachers are offered one or two-year fixed-term contracts rather than permanent positions.

Salaries typically range from R18,000 to R30,000 (£780 to £1,300) per month, depending on the school and subject. Most international teachers are employed on one or two-year fixed-term contracts rather than permanent roles.

Demand is rising for teachers with experience in digital learning, particularly in rural provinces that have introduced online programmes. Skills in using online learning tools, running coding clubs, or supporting enrichment activities in maths, science, and technology are especially valuable.

You can explore paid and volunteer TEFL opportunities across urban and rural schools through platforms like:

• Go Overseas - Teach English in South Africa
• i-to-i TEFL Jobs in South Africa
• The TEFL Academy - South Africa

Internships

South Africa is a popular destination for internships that combine professional experience with travel. Most placements for international students are unpaid, so it's important to budget carefully.

Environmental and sustainability internships have experienced rapid growth, particularly in:

• climate adaptation
• community development
• marine conservation.

For example, Oceans Research offers marine biology placements in Cape Town, while Wildlife ACT runs community-based wildlife conservation projects in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.

Non-government organisations (NGOs) like Greenpop and the Grootbos Foundation provide opportunities in climate adaptation and urban greening initiatives.

Major corporations offering internships in South Africa include:

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• Investec
• Mercedes-Benz Group
• Sage
• World Health Organisation (WHO)

Many internship providers include additional support such as housing assistance, airport pickups, in-country coordinators, and cultural orientation, which is especially helpful if it's your first time living abroad. Platforms advertising general placements include:

• GoAbroad - Internships in South Africa
• Graduates24 - South Africa Internships

A small number of organisations now offer hybrid or remote internships based in South Africa, particularly in marketing, tech, and research. For example, Roots Interns and GVI sometimes provide remote placements with South African companies, which are ideal if you want experience without the full cost of travel.

South African visas

If you're not a South African citizen or permanent resident, you'll need a valid work visa to be employed in the country. The main options are:

• General Work Visa - the most common route, valid for up to five years, and requires a signed job contract.
• Critical Skills Visa - for roles listed on the Critical Skills List. You can apply without a job offer if you can prove your qualifications and experience.
• Intra-company Transfer (ICT) Visa - for employees who have been with a multinational company for at least six months and want to transfer to the South African branch (valid up to four years).
• Corporate Visa - for starting a business in South Africa. You'll need a business plan and must hire at least 60% South African staff.

For guidance on which visa suits your situation, visit Visa Immigration SA.

Visa applications typically cost around £80 and require:

• accommodation details
• a valid passport
• proof of funds
• two passport photos.

You submit these to your local South African embassy or consulate. Applications are often delayed or rejected due to missing financial evidence, incomplete degree verification, or unsigned contracts, so double-check your application.

It's recommended to apply at least six weeks before travelling, as processing can take anywhere from four to twelve weeks.

Be aware that if you're already in South Africa, you may not be able to switch visa types from within the country and could be required to return home to reapply.

Language requirements

South Africa has 11 official languages, but English is widely spoken, especially in cities, universities, and workplaces. If you're fluent in English, you'll be able to get by comfortably. Knowing a few words or greetings in local languages can be helpful - for example, Afrikaans is common in the Western Cape, while isiZulu is widely spoken in KwaZulu-Natal.

Many workplaces switch between English, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, and isiZulu during the day - this is normal and not a sign of disrespect. You don't need to speak a local language to find a job, but learning basic phrases is a good way to build connections. Resources like Omniglot offer useful Afrikaans basics to get started.

How to explain your UK qualifications to employers

If you're applying for professional roles, your UK degree will usually need verification through the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). SAQA confirms accreditation and issues evaluation letters, which are now required for most professional positions, even if your degree is from a well-known UK university.

Processing times can vary depending on your location, but they are gradually improving. Obtaining this verification before applying can help smooth the hiring process and reassure employers of your qualifications.

What it's like to work in South Africa

The cost of living in South Africa varies by city. Cape Town and Johannesburg are the most expensive for rent, so shared housing is common among young professionals. Durban, Johannesburg, and Port Elizabeth are generally more affordable.

Workplaces can be more hierarchical than in the UK, with managers often taking a formal leadership style. Punctuality is important, and dress codes range from smart casual to business formal, depending on the role.

The standard work week is Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with up to 10 hours of overtime per week. Sunday work is usually paid at double time.

Entry-level salaries typically range from R12,000 to R22,000 (£500 to £950) per month, depending on the city and sector, while the national minimum wage is R25.42 (£1.06) per hour. Workers are entitled to 21 consecutive days of annual leave plus 12 public holidays.

Hybrid work is increasingly common, especially in Cape Town, named a top global digital-nomad destination. Occasional power outages can cause disruptions; however, most workplaces have backup power, and co-working spaces are widely available. Many employers still expect their staff to spend at least three days in the office per week.

Once you start working, you must register with the South African Revenue Service (SARS). As a non-resident, you'll only pay tax on income earned in South Africa.

Find out more

• Discover what it's like to study in South Africa.