South Africa’s BEST Employers™ Top 10 and A-Z listing
The following companies are 57 of the leading employers in the country, each offering talent a work environment of opportunity, development and reward. These companies have been scientifically researched according to 11 key areas of HR best practice, and based on this, have achieved an International standard of people management excellence. For more on the methdology, click here » Accenture SA
Accenture is well positioned to weather the economic downturn. Unlike many companies that are
intent on remodelling and restructuring, Accenture restructured three years ago in anticipation of
future growth. The South African operation anticipates double-digit compound growth over the next
five years as it continues to seek innovative ways to service its clients in order to ensure increased
profitability and sustainability going forward. » Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs
The implementation of ENS’ ‘one firm’ culture, rooted in values that were workshopped by
employees themselves, has created an exceptionally strong teamwork approach. This is one of the
company’s strengths, and continues to take it forward as it seeks to establish a greater presence on
the African continent into the future. » Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young has just emerged from a major global integration exercise, which sees South Africa
taking its place among a cohesively aligned EMEIA (Europe, Middle East, India and Africa) area.
The result is greater access to an international pool of expertise as well as implementation of best
practice, as developed and tested around the world. » BHP Billiton
BHP Billiton has an unwavering commitment to Zero Harm regarding its people, the environment
and the communities in which it operates, and strives to achieve leading industry practice. ‘Sound
principles to govern safety, business conduct, social, environmental and economic activities are
integral to the way we do business,’ explains Mark Patrick, Human Resources Manager. » Coca-Cola
The Coca-Cola Company’s products are consumed in more than 200 countries at a rate of nearly
1,6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, the
company focuses on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance
the economic development of the communities in which it operates. It employs 92 400 people
worldwide, of whom 280 work in South Africa. » Microsoft SA
Microsoft South Africa was established in 1992, and has built on the founders’ objective of bringing
technology to as many people as possible. The company has built on the success of its international
counterparts by emulating proven business models, which are tweaked to suit the local market. This
is particularly true of its employer value proposition, which is based on international best practice. » Shell
The company is streamlining and standardising its processes globally and moving the business onto
a new operating platform. In Shell South Africa this massive project will result in reduced complexity
and increased efficiency, leading to satisfied customers and improved competitiveness. The ‘Go
Live’ date is October 2009 and a substantial amount has been invested to ensure that staff are fully
trained ahead of the switch-over so that the transition is seamless. » British American Tobacco
BAT South Africa has a portfolio of 25 brands of cigarettes and exports to 31 countries in Africa
and the Middle East. The company continues to thrive and make signifi cant contributions to the
South African economy through employment, taxation and vigorous corporate social investment
programmes. As a company that is already world class, employees are now being challenged to do
extraordinary things. » ABSA
Chief Executive Officer Maria Ramos recently took the helm from former Absa head Steve Booysen.
The organisation is certain to acquire a new texture and direction as Ramos, known for her career
successes across different industries, settles on her strategy going forward. » SAB Ltd
Despite tougher economic conditions, growing consumer sophistication, more demanding brand
preferences and evolving retail systems, SAB foresees positive growth. As consumer, retail and
alcohol issues evolve, SAB is committed to playing a leading role in helping to frame the future
context of the liquor industry. » Beyond Outsourcing
The business transformationoutsourcing model has taken time to establish itself locally; however,
businesses have started to understand its benefits. It is now a perfect time to expand the business
through sales of licensed multimedia toolkits. This is being done through a newly created venture
called ‘The Execution Box’. There are currently plans to expand into the rest of Africa. » Cashbuild
The company is always expanding its footprint, with several new stores expected to be opened
in 2009. According to Chief Executive Pat Goldrick, the most exciting development is the
implementation of a new and completely integrated IT system. ‘We have invested a lot of time and
money in developing this system and believe it will be an industry first, ensuring that data is reflected
the same way throughout the business.’ The system has » Cell C
Cell C has rolled out in excess of 2 221 base stations nationwide and carries almost 90% of its own
traffic. The company is committed to delivering a full range of GSM services to subscribers. These
are based on the key principles of affordability, accessibility and value for money. » Denel Aviation
The appointment of Ismail Dockrat as Chief Executive Officer in 2006 heralded significant changes
for the organisation. With a largely new management team in place, Dockrat has made it his mission
to re-energise the company, discard old thinking and practices, and implement a strong focus on
implementing fresher, more efficient processes making the company more profitable. » Dimension Data
Dimension Data continues to enjoy considerable success: in 2008 it recorded revenues of
$4,5 billion and amassed an impressive 56 industry awards globally. Strategic alliance partnerships
with global vendors such as Cisco and Microsoft remain key. Going forward, it is likely to
concentrate on extending operations into Africa, as the continent’s ICT industry expands and grows. » DraftFCB
Draftfcb’s strength lies in its ability to cultivate lasting partnerships with clients. The agency prides
itself on its role in building some of South Africa’s best-loved brands, and a renewed accent on its
people and culture will ensure that it is equipped with the talent to continue its success in this area
going forward. » East London Investment Development Zone
Despite the current economic downturn, the response from investors has been positive. There are
currently 14 investors on site, with a good mix of local and international business. Negotiations
with future potential investors are ongoing. By the end of 2009, The East London IDZ plans to have
attracted a further five investors to the zone. » Edcon
Edcon is anchored in the business of retailing and servicing all market segments. Growth in sales
and profitability will come from productivity improvements, and organic growth from the Department
Store and Discount Divisions. Edcon has re-launched its sporting concept stores ‘Edgars Active’
and continues to explore current store formats and new store concepts. » Eversheds
With the firm now an entrenched member of the Eversheds International stable, it is able to
concentrate on attracting and retaining top talent. It will also be able to offer clients broader
international scope: in fact, the firm recently opened a branch in Mauritius, making it the first
international law firm to be licensed to practice law in the country. » Exxaro Resources
The group’s second full year of operation as a listed, empowered mineral resources group reflects
the benefits of diversification in a volatile global market – record financial results were achieved in
2008 by the company’s coal business with a significant profit contribution from its mineral sands
operations. » First National Bank
FNB has expanded its international presence, and is now represented in Mozambique and
Zambia. Other recent key developments include the redesign of branches according to specific
markets and operating environments; and the launch of ‘How Can We Help You?’
(www.howcanwehelpyou.co.za); an interactive website which aims to help South Africans
manage their personal finances. » Gold Fields
Gold Fields is positioned for exciting times: fed by the commodities boom, led by China and India,
the company’s recent acquisition of the highly mechanised South Deep Mine, together with the
establishment of operations at the Cerro Corona mine in Peru, ensures it is well placed to meet this
ongoing demand. » Hetzner (Pty) Ltd
Hetzner has grown year-on-year, with the number of active domains hosted on its network
exceeding 100 000. The company is currently consolidating its systems to achieve scalability to
handle greater volumes. It is reinvesting to upgrade its internal systems and level of automation.
The acquisition of next-generation infrastructure has improved service levels, performance, user
experience, reliability and scalability. » IBM SA
IBM is currently expanding its presence in Africa, concentrating its focus on the
sub-Saharan region. As a truly global company, IBM is able to draw on a pool of international expertise and experience
while offering employees outstanding exposure to global best practice. » Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
Despite challenging economic conditions, the IDC remains in a strong position and will play an
important role in ensuring that the South African economy survives the current downturn. The IDC’s biggest advantage is its people who have an in-depth knowledge of development finance.
The organisation has worked hard to retain and even add to its core expertise. » Irvin & Johnson Limited (I&J)
With an average market share of close to 60% in South Africa, I&J seeks to leverage its well-known
brand to expand its product range. The company also has to work to attract creative and innovative
talent. It has a wholly owned operation in Argentina and a 40% stake in a frozen food business
in Australia. » Itron
The recent acquisition of Actaris Metering Systems in April 2007 resulted in a new global footprint
and expanded worldwide relationships, allowing Itron to offer end-to-end solutions that optimise
the delivery and use of energy and water globally. The company is offering solutions that make a
significant difference in the quality of life for generations to come. » Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market (JFPM)
The Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market has emerged renewed from an era of massive
mismanagement, poor staff morale and inadequate systems. Under the current executive team,
which has been in place for about two years, the business has staged a remarkable turnaround. It
has made a profit for the past two years and been given two clean audits from the Auditor-General;
staff morale is high and stakeholder relationships have improved. » Legal Aid South Africa
Following a decade of crisis in the 1990s, Legal Aid South Africa has successfully implemented a
turnaround strategy and made great strides towards becoming a dominant player in providing access
to justice in South Africa. The organisation has grown exponentially through the expansion of a national
footprint; organisational systems have been bedded down and the quality of its legal services offering has
continuously improved. » Liberty Life
Liberty’s drive into Africa commenced in 2008, and it has its sight set on making further inroads into
the continent. The company moreover intends to cement its reputation as a wealth company, rather
than an insurance provider. A number of targets relating to these goals have been set for 2011. » Levi Strauss SA (Pty) Ltd
Levi’s is one of South Africa’s most popular jeans brands and is the only affiliate of Levi Strauss &
Company that develops products locally into owned and operated retail stores serviced by our own
factory in Epping Cape Town. A key success factor for growth is attracting the best talent. » Louis Group
In the wake of the global economic downturn, Louis Group took the decision to preserve
relationships with both its clients and partners by protecting their personal and financial interests at
all times. Louis Group’s ethos, that the client matters most, drives them to take responsibility and to
nurture, protect and develop such business ties even further. » Merseta
The merSETA obtains funds for training and development from levies paid by industry members.
There are 44 000 companies that fall within the jurisdiction of the merSETA; however only 18 000
pay the levy, with 11 000 actively participating in training activities. The majority of the levies (70%)
are disbursed as grants and 10% is kept for administration. » Missing Link
Missing Link is deepening its focus on all aspects of conferencing. Chief Executive Officer Richard
Mulholland explains that this is a strategic move designed to aid clients and to ensure that every
aspect of their event is outstanding; not simply presentations. The company has also introduced an
outsourced service which makes its offering more accessible to a wide range of clients. » Mix Telematics (Matrix)
MiX Telematics Africa has a combined installed subscriber base in excess of 445 000 units, offering
services from vehicle tracking and recovery through to fleet management. It also delivers services to
large specialist fleets with specific requirements. The group’s global footprint is ever increasing, and it is constantly developing new service offerings
to meet the demands of the market for consumer and commercial products. » Mr Price Group Limited
According to independent research, Mr Price is South Africa’s most loved and often frequented
clothing store while Mr Price Home has the same impact on consumers in the homeware arena.
With a strong following among consumers, a healthy balance sheet and strong cash flow,
Mr Price Group has been able to add newer retail concepts such as furniture, children’s clothing,
sport and franchising to its offering. » MTN (Pty) Ltd
MTN is intent on extending its distribution footprint and as such has added an additional 400 jobs to
the business. The company is therefore hiring more employees in order to continue offering diverse
services to its clients. » National Development Agency
Since its inception the NDA has distributed more than R787 million to various communities located
in poor areas in the following sectors: food security, sustainable livelihoods and community health
projects. Over 2 100 community-based, non-government and faith-based organisations, more than
404 773 direct households and 2 031 375 individuals have benefited from these projects. » Nestlé South Africa
Over the past four years Nestlé South Africa has undertaken a journey of transformation, culminating
in a focus on leadership and change in company culture. The transformation process aims to ensure
that Nestlé South Africa continues to be high performing and be recognised globally as a leading
nutrition, health and wellness company. This process is not a quick fix but one that will require
continuous focus on excellence in the coming years. » Netcare Limited
Netcare has emerged from a phase of structural changes with a clearly understood leadership
philosophy and a more aligned and focused organisational structure. The group is committed to
working with all stakeholders, including the public sector, to achieve its stated aim of providing
world-class healthcare services at affordable prices. » New Concept Mining
The market leader in hydraulic mine support systems, NCM has fostered a culture of innovation
through the efforts of an in-house research and development team. This division has been renamed
‘Connect and Develop’ because the company’s goal is to ensure that it connects with customers
and adequately meets their needs. » Pick 'n Pay
In November 2007 the company embarked on an extremely successful rebranding exercise. This
forms part of Chief Executive Officer Nick Badminton’s vision to take Pick n Pay into the future,
which, among other elements includes an overhaul of the supply chain. » Rectron (Pty) Ltd
Rectron started out its life as a four-person operation in 1995 and has since grown into one of the
country’s largest technology distributors with an annual turnover of more than R1,4 billion. The
group is regarded as a one-stop shop for computer dealers, value-added resellers and systems
integrators, thanks to the wide range of products it distributes from many of the world’s leading
technology vendors. » Regent Insurance Company
Regent is well positioned in the South African insurance market. The company insures more than a
quarter of the aircraft in South Africa, and is one of the two leading commercial vehicle insurers in
the country. As one of the fastest growing insurers, it has specialist knowledge in niche markets, as
well as an extensive motor insurance offering and is the market leader in the credit life market. » Safripol (Pty) Ltd
Safripol has been affected by the economic recession, as consumer demand for end-products
across the spectrum has declined. However, instead of reducing the workforce, the company has
increased its investment in its people, a move which management believes will stand it in good
stead as the economy recovers. » Sanofi-Aventis South Africa (Pty) Ltd
South Africa’s leading multinational pharmaceutical brand, sanofi-aventis occupies fourth position
worldwide. It plans to continue to be one of the global leaders in the future through a focus on
increased innovation in research and development; adapting structures to meet the challenges of
the future and exploring external growth opportunities. » SAP South Africa
SAP Africa has emerged from a record year in 2008, with strong performance throughout the
territory. Despite a challenging global economy, SAP has managed to grow revenues and
customers worldwide. Pfungwa Serima was appointed as Managing Director since 1 July 2008
and is currently focusing on combining global strategy with local know-how to grow its footprint
through sub-Saharan Africa. » SAS Institute
SAS South Africa is poised to become a global powerhouse in all information communication
technology (ICT) arenas. The company’s biggest advantages are its leadership position in business intelligence and analytical
software and services, the emphasis it places on training and development and perhaps most
importantly of all, its unique corporate culture which values each employee holistically. » Sechaba Medical Solutions
Sechaba has distinguished itself through its cutting-edge IT systems, service and empowerment.
With these hallmarks feeding its reputation for excellence, it is preparing to expand further
into Africa. » Siemens Ltd
Siemens Southern Africa is a R10-billion company that is growing faster than the market and has
a market-leading position in most sectors where it is active. The company has been operating in
Southern Africa since 1860 when it installed a telegraph line from Cape Town to Simon’s Town. Its
products, solutions and services are used by many energy utilities, manufacturers and healthcare
providers across southern Africa. » South African Tourism
South African Tourism is funded by the government, represented by the Department of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism. The organisation constitutes a Schedule 3A public entity in
terms of the Public Finance Management Act. Brand South Africa has a highly desirable and
recognisable reputation worldwide which, in itself, has immense marketing value for South African
Tourism and the South African tourism trade in general. » Telkom SA Ltd
Telkom’s current strategic focus on growth in the area of mobile capability received a major boost
when shareholders approved the sale of 15% of Telkom’s stake in Vodacom to the UK’s Vodafone
Group, and the unbundling of the company’s remaining 35% shareholding. This transaction enables
Telkom to execute its strategies in the areas of mobile services, integrated solutions and the
provision of converged fixed-line, mobile and data solutions. » The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL)
In addition to ongoing country-wide road maintenance, SANRAL is currently involved in the Gauteng
Freeway Improvement Project, which aims to improve the traffic flow situation in the region by
enhancing the existing road network and providing additional infrastructure. It is also working on the
implementation of an electronic toll collection at toll roads. » Total South Africa (Pty) Ltd
TOTAL South Africa is committed to growing its business, based on shared values and common
principles that clearly assert its ethical standards and accountability. There are numerous exciting
opportunities within the field of alternative energy supply and TOTAL through the Group is actively
pursuing various strategies in this regard. » Tsogo Sun Group
Both Tsogo Sun Gaming and Southern Sun Hotels continue to enjoy positive growth and have a
growth strategy going forward. The group’s footprint in the Middle East continues to expand while
new developments are taking place at its Montecasino property. » Unilever South Africa
Unilever is the market leader in seven of the nine categories in which it operates. Having
recently restructured into a single operational entity with improved efficiencies and costs, the
company is well-positioned to maintain its market positioning and grow its brands despite the
current economic downturn. » Werksmans Attorneys
With the addition of Jan S. de Villiers into the fold, the firm has a totally different look compared to a
year ago in terms of both its size and geographical reach. While its service ethos of lean and highly
skilled teams remains, the merger has significantly enhanced its ability to deliver those services and
expertise to a much wider client base, who will benefit from even greater depth in the firm’s chosen
areas of specialisation. » Young & Rubicam SA (Pty) Ltd
Y&R’s new focus on creativity is part of a plan to see it become one of the largest contributors to
the international Y&R network. Agency members are confident that progress in this area is already
being made thanks to a series of interventions which have reshaped agency culture, making it more
attractive to top industry talent.
BEST Employers™ 2009/10 quality seal
CRF is proud to award the BEST Employers™ 2009/10 quality seal to these companies; an International accreditation that officially recognises their continued commitment to talent management and excellence in their employer framework – the very heart of talent retention and attraction.
To the talent market, we wish you all the best with your employer choices, and encourage you to seek out SA’s BEST Employers™ as you map out your future career choices.
To the talent market, we wish you all the best with your employer choices, and encourage you to seek out SA’s BEST Employers™ as you map out your future career choices.
2009/10 Rankings
CRF SA cannot stress the following point enough: Each company accredited has reached an International standard of excellence and while the rankings reveal for this year only, the BEST of the VERY BEST, the Accreditation Stamp earned by all the companies listed year, means your career is in excellent corporate hands.
Note: CRF has not included all industries in the industry rankings. Three or more companies must have participated (whether or not they were accredited) in order for the sector to be eligible to be ranked.
Note: CRF has not included all industries in the industry rankings. Three or more companies must have participated (whether or not they were accredited) in order for the sector to be eligible to be ranked.
Top 10 Overall
1. Accenture SA
2. Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs
3. Ernst & Young
4. BHP Billiton
5. Coca-Cola
6. Microsoft SA
7. Shell South Africa
8. British American Tobacco
9. Absa
10.SAB Ltd
Top 10 Small Sized Employers 1 - 300
1. Coca-Cola
2. Microsoft SA
3. Beyond Outsourcing Global Holdings (Pty) Ltd
4. Safripol (Pty) Ltd
5. East London Industrial Development Zone
6. Sechaba Medical Solutions
7. The South African National Roads Agency Limited
8. SAS Institute
9. Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market (JFPM)
10.National Development Agency
Top 10 Medium-sized Employers (301 - 4000)
1. Accenture SA
2. Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs
3. Ernst & Young
4. Shell South Africa
5. British American Tobacco
6. Siemens Ltd
7. Werksmans Attorneys
8. IBM SA
9. SAP South Africa
10.Total South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Top 10 Large-sized Employers (4001 +)
1. BHP Billiton
2. Absa
3. SAB Ltd
4. Edcon
5. Unilever South Africa
6. Exxaro Resources Limited
7. MTN (Pty) Ltd
8. Gold Fields
9. Dimension Data
10.Tsogo Sun Group
Ranked Industries
1st in Advertising & PR sector: Young & Rubicam
1st in Finance: Banks sector: ABSA
1st in Chemicals & Petrochemicals sector: Shell
1st in Engineering & Manufacturing sector: Siemens
1st in Finance: Investment & Insurance sector: Liberty Life
1st in FMCG sector: Coca-Cola
1st in Health sector: Netcare
1st in ICTe sector: Accenture
1st in Legal Services sector: Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs
1st in Mining sector: BHP Billiton
1st in Retail sector: Edcon
1st in Telecommunications sector: MTN
1st in Business Support Services sector: Beyond Outsourcing
