South Africa Info
Joined: 23 Feb 2007
Posts: 16
Home Country: southafrica
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 Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2007 11:30 am Post subject: EMPLOYMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA / SOUTH AFRICA EMPLOYMENT GUIDE |
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EMPLOYMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA
GENERAL
In addition to Affirmative Action (AA) policies which give preference to people of colour, those with disabilities and to females, foreigners, unless displaying extraordinary skill or experience may be passed over in favour of local employees. South Africa, like any other country, has an obligation to its people first and foremost and so limited opportunities are available.
South Africa has an exceptionally high unemployment rate (over 40%) and a massive pool of unskilled labourers. Demand for skilled workers is high, though. You will, of course, need a valid work permit in order to find legal employment in the country. As is the case in other countries, the web and local newspapers are as good as any place to start your job search.
A rosy future is forecast but right now opportunities are mainly for professionals and entrepreneurs.
South Africa has the most advanced economy in Africa - its GDP is nearly four times that of Egypt, its nearest competitor on the continent. But there is high unemployment and only 14 per cent of South Africans enjoy a standard of living equivalent to that of Western Europeans or North Americans.
Until 1914, South Africa's economy was based mostly on mining and agriculture. It has an abundant supply of resources and well developed financial, legal, communications, energy and transportation sectors.
South Africa's climate and energy attract many would-be residents but it is beset with social problems - high unemployment being the worst and the main cause of others.
EMPLOYMENT MARKET
Economists offer an upbeat forecast in the years ahead - a stable political and economic environment. The government is addressing the issues of privatisation and deregulation, in an attempt to make the country more investor-friendly in the long term. This outlook bodes well for business and for job seekers.
The most promising economic areas in South Africa are the IT sectors, telecommunications, security, healthcare, e-commerce, beauty products, pollution management technologies, tourism, infrastructure and finance. South Africa will continue to be an attractive choice for exports, foreign investment and joint ventures.
While unemployment is high, a telling indicator of job opportunities for skilled foreign workers is the country's graduate unemployment rate, which is just 2.9 per cent, a rate conventionally regarded as full employment.
Information technology
South Africa's IT sector is growing rapidly and is considered one of the top ten emerging markets for computer companies. Nearly three-quarters of IT workers are under the age of 35.
IT professionals enjoy higher-than-average salaries and lower barriers to entry. Currently, there is a shortage. Computer-engineering degree programmes and other courses are springing up nationwide.
The Information Technology Association S.A. and the Post and Telecom Association of South Africa are two of the country's IT-related professional associations. Periodicals covering the industry, such as Computing SA, are useful to foreigners seeking IT jobs.
Engineering
South Africa's engineering industry is large, sophisticated and versatile. Because of the country's relatively advanced industrial sector, there is a steady demand for engineers in the steel and iron industries, the motor industry, mining and quarrying and construction. There are opportunities for geological, industrial, metallurgical, and mineral processing engineers.
Many companies employ students and universities (called technikons) while they're still in school, allowing them to receive both theoretical and practical training. Engineers in some specialties must pass a certificate of competency before becoming full-fledged professionals.
The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) evaluates the academic qualifications of foreigners who wish to become registered to work as professional engineers in South Africa. As a member of the Engineers Mobility Forum (EMF), South Africa recognises the standards of other member countries when evaluating applicants.
Other organisations for engineers in South Africa include the Constructional Engineering Association and the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of South Africa.
Accounting and finance
South Africa has a sophisticated financial structure with a large and active stock exchange that ranks 18th in the world in terms of total market capitalisation. According to one study, the financial workers most in demand are chartered accountants, insurance professionals, consultants, and auditors.
There are several professional accountancy associations.
Sales and marketing
Research analysts and marketing managers are in particularly high demand. Foreigners may find it useful to obtain licensing or certification through professional bodies.
The Institute for Market Management, for instance, has begun to certify professionals with Chartered Marketer status, which is intended to distinguish those marketing professionals who are exemplary models of the changing course of business in South Africa.
General business
While there is no formal category for general business or business consulting jobs, the types and number of consulting careers are increasing. Again, licensing and certification can be useful.
Professional associations for business and consulting professionals include the International Guild of Certified Management Consultants and the Small Business Information Network, which promotes and provides support to small, medium, and micro-businesses in order to contribute to equitable economic growth in South Africa.
There are many useful business periodicals in South Africa, including many published in English. The Business Times provides a wide range of information on business-related topics.
PROFESSIOANL RESOURCES
If you're a professional hoping to find a job in South Africa your starting point could be one of the country's many professional organisations.
Many South African towns have their own chambers of commerce whose websites are worth exploring and several books about business and work in South Africa have been published recently. |
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