Johannesburgruns on a handful of strong industries. If you’re job-hunting or weighing a move, here’s where the opportunities (and the big-name employers) are.
Top industries & employers
Banking & financial services
Standard Bank, FirstRand, Absa, Investec, Discovery
The JSE — Africa's largest stock exchange — sits in Sandton, and nearly every major South African bank and insurer is headquartered within a few kilometres of it.
Mining & resources
Anglo American, Sibanye-Stillwater, Gold Fields, Harmony
The reason the city exists. The gold has largely moved on, but the head offices, engineering firms and mining-finance ecosystem stayed.
Telecoms & technology
MTN, Vodacom (Midrand), Microsoft SA, BCX, Entelect
Gauteng is where enterprise tech and telecoms sit; Cape Town gets the consumer startups, Joburg gets the large-scale corporate engineering work.
Media & broadcasting
MultiChoice/DStv, SABC, Primedia, Arena Holdings
Randburg and Auckland Park form the country's broadcast belt — pay-TV, radio and most national newsrooms.
Professional & legal services
Big Four firms, Webber Wentzel, Bowmans, ENSafrica
The corporate advisory market for the whole subcontinent runs from Sandton and Rosebank, including most immigration and tax practices.
Logistics & aviation
OR Tambo International, Transnet, Imperial, DSV
OR Tambo is Africa's busiest airport and the inland freight hub feeding Durban's port up the N3 corridor.
Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.