South Africa’s working environment hinges on a two-tiered economy generally associated with developing countries; one tier appears to function at the same level as a highly producing western country and the other tier is made up of only the most minimal infrastructure.  

Despite this complex juxtaposition, South Africa’s diversified economy and its position as the African nation with the most highly developed infrastructure has also helped create much optimism in the way of continued job creation.

The rainbow nation has a professional world with abundant working opportunity for skilled and experienced expats.

The “brain drain”, a term used to describe the relocation abroad of a large portion of South Africa’s skilled local labour force, has created a gaping hole in many sectors that has encouraged many companies to consider employing foreigners. Such gaps range from finance and medical skills, to engineering and even artisan trades like plumbing and electricians.

Therefore, expats that have some degree of tertiary education will find that they can ingrain themselves into the economy quite easily.

Furthermore, South Africa is a fertile ground for entrepreneurial activity, and those looking to open a business in South Africa have the potential to have great success.

South Africa’s primary sectors include manufacturing, mining and agricultural services. Additionally, the trade sector remains the largest source of employment in the nation, but expats will find that the country suffers from a great shortage in skills in the following: engineering, ICT and education; thus potential immigrants will find more opportunities in these areas.

Senior managers in the public sector are also in high demand, as are nurses, specialist doctors and other medical professionals, architects and artisans.

It should be noted that due to South Africa's large rate of unemployment and an overwhelming population of unskilled workers, temporary positions and low-income jobs are hard to come by. 

It is absolutely necessary to have a work permit in order to work in South Africa.

The working week generally follows a five day, 9am to 5pm pattern, with an average of 15 days leave per year.

Expats should take care to realise that salaries negotiated in the weak South African currency may make for a comfortable lifestyle within local borders, but may not go far outside of the continent.

Johannesburg is renowned for its play hard, work hard culture, while coastal cities such as Durban and Cape Town are known for a more balance, relaxed lifestyle.