Working in Johannesburg

Working in Johannesburg means being employed in South Africa’s commercial centre. The city is home to some of the country’s core industries, including mining, finance and telecommunications. There is no better city in South Africa to settle in for expats looking to advance their careers in a work environment that is fast-paced, competitive, and demanding.

Job market in Johannesburg

With countless locals descending upon the city in search of work, Johannesburg’s unemployment rate is high. However, the majority of unemployed people in the city are unskilled. Conversely, there is a shortage of workers in skilled sectors such as executive management, accounting, finance, medicine, and engineering – meaning that there are many opportunities available to qualified and experienced expats whose skills are in demand.

Educators may also find opportunities in international schools seeking qualified teachers. With the city’s increasing infrastructure development, the construction industry is also continuously hiring those with project management, civil engineering, and skilled trades qualifications.

Finding a job in Johannesburg

If you’re moving to Johannesburg without a job offer, you will need to be resourceful and creative. Try to tap into as many word-of-mouth networks as possible – there is often a spirit of understanding between expats in the city, and many are willing to assist each other when they can. To this end, networking with members of already established expat groups in Johannesburg could be very beneficial to new arrivals in the city.

Alternatively, there are several well-respected job recruitment websites, and you can also look through the online version of local newspapers to find job advertisements. Recruitment companies may also be able to assist.

Expats are required to have a work visa to take up employment in Johannesburg. You’ll have to begin the application process from outside the country the first time you apply, which is an important consideration.

Work Permits for South Africa

Useful links

• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Pnet

Work culture in Johannesburg

Johannesburg’s work culture is comparatively formal as a more business-oriented city than Cape Town. There is more emphasis on presenting oneself well, although full formal attire isn’t usually necessary on a day-to-day basis.

As in the rest of the country, openness and friendliness are valued alongside professionalism. A sense of ambition and friendly competition is a key feature of the work culture in Johannesburg.

Business Culture in South Africa