Jobs in Polokwane

• Agriculture
• Mineral Beneficiation
• Mining
• Construction
• Tourism
• Biofuels
• Solar Energy

Agriculture

Polokwane is the major agricultural producer in South Africa, producing approximately 75% of South Africa’s mangoes, 65% of its papayas (pawpaw’s), 36% of its tea, 25% of its citrus, bananas, and litchis, 60% of its avocados, 60% of tomatoes, 285 000 tons of potatoes, and 35% of its oranges.

Other exports within and out of South Africa include onions, maize, sunflower seeds, nuts, tobacco, cattle, sheep, game and pigs.

Mineral Beneficiation

Mineral beneficiation (transformation of minerals) plays a pivotal part in South Africa’s economy. The country’s mineral reserves are among the most valuable in the world.

South Africa’s well-integrated mining value chain supplies inputs into various manufacturing sectors including metal fabrication, automotive and jewellery manufacturing.

Mining

South Africa has the world’s largest reserves of platinum group metals (PGMs) and manganese, and some of the largest gold, diamonds, chromite ore and vanadium deposits.

South Africa’s mining industry is the fifth largest globally (in regard to GDP).

According to investsa.gov.za, the mining sector contributed R356bn or 7.3% to South Africa’s GDP and accounted for 25% of the country’s total export earnings. Platinum, coal and gold are the three largest mining exports.

Construction

The South African construction industry is expected to grow by 1.9% in 2024.  The mining sector, is one of the industries that helps the construction industry to expand in Polokwane.

Tourism

Polokwane Game Reserve is a popular game reserve bordering Polokwane itself. The reserve offers various cost-effective activities for visitors, including hiking, cycling and camping.

The reserve has over 21 indigenous mammals, including rhino, sable antelope and giraffe.  For bird lovers there are over 300 bird species recorded.  The reserve has a great rating with TripAdvisor, bringing in many local and international tourists.  

1 million hectares of land in Limpopo are dedicated to game farms and provincial nature reserves.  The Kruger Park adds an additional 1.9 million to this number.

In addition to 3 national parks, the province has 2 UNESCO Biosphere reserves.  Two areas have world heritage sites and 2 transfrontier conversation areas.

And if that wasn’t impressive, there are also 2 Ramsar sites, 28 registered natural heritage sites and 3 national centres of endemism.

Within these natural wonders are numerous world-renowned game reserves to enjoy like: Mabalingwe Nature Reserve, Zwahili Private Game Lodge and Spa, Kapama River Lodge, Bushwa Game Lodge and Waterberg Game Park.

Biofuels

The current supply of biofuels has been below the required amount for agricultural sector, creating a demand for biofuels.  Limpopo is the leading agricultural producer and therefore has the potential to grow a large variety of feedstock as biofuels.

Some examples of biofuels are sorghum, cane, soy bean, jetropha, lucerne and moringa.

Solar Energy

Applications for solar plants range from small domestic uses to large scale supply like mines and supplying the grid.

Less than 2% of domestic roofs are fitted with solar panels. The climate in Limpopo is favourable for solar energy production with little interruptions.  There is still a long way to go to have optimal solar power in Limpopo province. 

Form the Lephalale Solar Project running a R1.56 billion solar project for a mine in the Waterberg District to High Schools and villages changing to solar, there is always a demand for solar jobs in Polokwane and the surrounds.

• The Polokwane Game Reserve
• The Fun Company Mall
• Splash Polokwane and Jumpzone
• Bakone Malapa Open-Air Museum
• Predator Paintball and Laser Strike Adventures
• Polokwane Bird and Snake Park
• Meropa Casino and Entertainment World
• The Peter Mokaba Stadium
• Tabletop Legion
• The Hugh Exton Photographic Museum
• Polokwane Golf Course

Polokwane also has great restaurants for any taste and experience, from fine dining to a fast take-away.  You can be spoilt with an experience at Saskia Fine Dining Restaurant or Coco Affair for a fusion experience.

Or try a local authentic experience at Nguni Grill or Cook King Restaurant.

Polokwane also has no shortage of galleries and museums to enjoy: Eloff Gallery, Polokwane Art Museum, Timara Art Gallery and Coral Fouries Art Studio.

Being the ‘gateway city’ you are always close to a diversity of natural attractions from mountains, game reserves, fishing, hiking to reach out and enjoy the wilderness areas.

Polokwane’s neighbourhoods cater to different lifestyles and preferences. Whether you prefer a quiet suburban area or a vibrant urban setting.

One popular neighbourhood is Bendor Park, known for its leafy streets and spacious houses. This suburb is ideal for families looking for access to good schools and amenities.

Another sought-after area is Flora Park, which has beautiful homes surrounded by nature reserves, perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities.

For those seeking a sense of community and cultural experiences, the Old Flora Park area provides charming heritage homes within walking distance of museums, art galleries, and historical sites.

Sterpark is for those who prefer an urban lifestyle with easy access to shopping malls and entertainment options, areas like Sterpark and Ivydale might be more suitable. These neighbourhoods are close to major retail centres and offer modern apartment complexes as well as townhouses.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the most in demand skills in Polokwane?
• How can I get a Job in Polokwane?
• Can I relocate to Polokwane for work if I don't speak the local language?
• How are Polokwane salaries compared to the rest of South Africa?
• Are people moving to Polokwane?
• What are the most popular activities in Polokwane?
• What is the weather in Polokwane?
• Is there an airport in Polokwane?

What are the most in demand skills in Polokwane?

Mining, the major industry in Polokwane, has a high demand for jobs in Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering in this exciting industry, creating mining  jobs throughout Polokwane. 

With the economic growth, IT is a burgeoning field with demand in IT Skills like UX Designer and Qlikview languages. 

Tourism is a large industry in the Polokwane area and hospitality jobs are in demand. Skills in hotel management, tour guide jobs, front room management and house cleaning are always in need.

Solar energy is growing exponentially in Polokwane, solar jobs are on the rise as the demand grow.

Agriculture jobs need a diverse set of skills for this lucrative sector. Management, automotive, water management, security, administration, SHEQ and many more.  Due to the long working hours, determination, strength, and patience are needed.

How can I get a Job in Polokwane?

Executive Placements job portal operates nationally, including Polokwane. One of the best ways to get a job in Polokwane is to register your CV on the Executive Placements job portal. This Portal is used by 100s of recruiters in Polokwane to source candidates for jobs in Polokwane.

There are several specialty recruitment agents also based in Polokwane like Boss Recruitment and Keller Executive Search. If one has a specific set of skills that a recruitment agent focusses on, a call and introduction to the agency may also be of help.

Can I relocate to Polokwane for work if I don't speak the local language?

While it certainly helps if you have some knowledge of the local languages (such as Northern Sotho), workplaces operate using English as their primary language of communication.

How are Polokwane salaries compared to the rest of South Africa?

According to the analysis that we have done on the Executive Placements database, salaries are the highest in the Province of Limpopo. The exact difference is dependent upon the job and the industry that one works in.

Salaries in larger South African cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town are higher but that also depends on your niche skills and qualifications.

Are people moving to Polokwane?

The City of Polokwane may not sound familiar to many because of the name change from Pietersburg. Polokwane is still a popular city to find employment due to the growing business and industry sectors in the area. 

The most flourishing industries are mining, agriculture and tourism.

The growth of the city is steady at 3.13 per year, proving that it is a popular city for people to call home and where you find people you will find jobs.

What are the most popular activities in Polokwane?

Polokwane Game Reserve is a wonderful place to enjoy the wild and activities such as hiking, biking, and camping.

There are many activities to enjoy for adults and children alike like The Fun Company Mall, Splash Polokwane and Jumpzone and Predator Paintball and Laser Strike Adventures.

The Hugh Exton Photographic Museum is a must for history buffs and photography enthusiasts.  It has its address at a 100 year old Victorian building.  The collection has over 23,000 glass negatives which capture the early history of Polokwane.

Golfing enthusiasts are also be spoilt with the Polokwane Golf Course and The Ranch Resort which has a steady 7.6 rating.

What is the weather in Polokwane?

The city had a generally dry climate with the annual rains in summer, the average annual rainfall is 500mm.  The summer temperature in summer is 22 degrees centigrade.

Winter is the driest season with an average temperature of 12.5 degrees centigrade.  The winters are however short, dry, and clear. 

Is there an airport in Polokwane?

Polokwane International Airport, is the main airport serving Polokwane and the surrounding areas in Limpopo. The airport is located 5 km north of the city and the most popular route is OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg with South African Airways.

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