Top 10 Best Companies To Work For in South Africa

The Corporate Research Foundation (CRF) Institute comprehensively reviews pay and benefits, training and development, career opportunities, working conditions and company culture. ABR has selected just 10 of the 57 South African companies that made the grade as a BEST Employer™ for 2010-2011.

10. Cell C

South Africa’s third cellular provider is also the smallest in terms of workforce. However, this can act in its favour says the CRF Institute because it can act swiftly. “It also enjoys excellent relationships with stakeholders, while its flat structure adds to its nimble approach,” it said.

9. Coca-Cola South Africa

It could be easy to assume the world’s largest beverage company may treat their staff more like numbers than people – but this is far from the case. Black economic empowerment (BEE) is a priority for the company, extending to bottlers as well as initiative es in the local community.

8. Group Five Construction (Pty) Ltd

One of South Africa’s most established construction and engineering companies, Group Five has Level 3 accreditation for BEE. Built on proud traditions dating back to its early days in 1974, it has a strong diversification strategy, supported by its commitment to its shareholders, customers, employees and communities.

7. Nestlé (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd

One of the most famous brands on the globe, the CRF Institute said Nestlé’s presence in South Africa is underlined by trust, quality, honesty and diversity.“This is an informal environment based on our values of openness, trust and transparency,” says David Moloto, Training and Development Manager.

6. MTN South Africa

Recently named Africa’s biggest brand, MTNuses a proactive model to identify high performers within the company, called ‘Leadership Talent Management’ to ensure achievement is recognised. It also offers MyMTN Emergency – home medical and roadside emergency assistance for workers.

5. SAS Institute (Pty) Ltd

The business software giants have a worldwide reputation for being great employers, with SAS International having recently been named the number one company in the US for Fortune’s 100 best Companies To Work For list for the second year running. Each individual employee has a Bonus Plan that recognises both performance and achievement.

4. JSE Ltd

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange was launched in 1887 and has since became the most respected market on the continent. According to the CRF Institution, “JSE’s greatest asset is its enthusiastic, passionate team; people who are inspired by an exciting workplace characterised by constant change, and who are forever looking forward to the next big development.”

3. South African National Roads Agency Ltd

The South African National Roads Agency Ltd (SANRAL) is a government formed company and is wholly owned by the Department of Transport. It has a distinct mandate to finance, improve, manage and maintain the national road network. Due to this, it does not have an official BEE rating however a recent exercise carried out in the company suggests they would achieve the second highest rating and be a Level 2 contributor.

2. Vodacom Group Ltd

Having undergone a massive re-branding exercise to change company colours from blue to red (that of parent company, Vodafone), Vodacom has been in the spotlight this month. The leading telecommunications provider in South Africa has a corporate wellness programme that includes an Employee Assistance Programme, HIV and Executive Health Management Programmes.

1. Unilever South Africa (Pty) Ltd

The South African subsidiary of the UK-Dutch fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) giant has never been short of success. It is currently the leader in seven of the nine categories in which it operates and is renowned for its training and skills development.

The company has adopted a graduate programme to ensure talented employees are carefully nurtured. Up to 60 top graduates in key areas are employed each year including IT, marketing and human resources.

Unilever SA also places a great deal of emphasis on performance based bonuses that are paid annually and payout cash prizes known as Oscars that reward exceptional competency and delivery.

“People are our greatest asset,” says Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gail Klintworth – and this statement is backed up by the 24-hour Vitality Assist funded by the company. The helpline enables staff and their families with counselling, financial assistance and legal advice.